Voice in the Wildernesshttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org
Preparing the Way of the LordSun, 01 Mar 2015 22:33:57 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.1.1http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/category/homilies/feed/Fr. Shawn is a priest of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Listen to live recordings of his Sunday homilies here.Fr. Shawn P. TuninknoFr. Shawn P. Tuninkstunink@gmail.comstunink@gmail.com (Fr. Shawn P. Tunink)2014 Fr. Shawn P. TuninkVoice in the WildernessVoice in the Wildernesshttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/images/FrShawn100.jpghttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org
Washington, DCWeeklyHomily 288 – Listen to Him – 2nd Sunday of Lenthttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2015/03/homily-288-listen-to-him-2nd-sunday-of-lent/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2015/03/homily-288-listen-to-him-2nd-sunday-of-lent/#commentsSun, 01 Mar 2015 21:03:54 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2541Hopefully, before we make a big decision we listen to advice from others. Even the Code of Canon Law requires Church officials to listen before they do certain things. But who do we listen to? The Church has traditionally given us three enemies to whom we should not listen: the world the flesh and the devil. What we should do is to follow the directions of God the Father in today’s gospel and listen to Jesus. Today’s homily considers Abraham as the model for listening to God and offers advice as to how we might become more like him.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2015/03/homily-288-listen-to-him-2nd-sunday-of-lent/feed/1Listen to HimHopefully, before we make a big decision we listen to advice from others. Even the Code of Canon Law requires Church officials to listen before they do certain things. But who do we listen to? The Church has traditionally given us three enemies to whom we should not listen: the world the flesh and the devil. What we should do is to follow the directions of God the Father in today's gospel and listen to Jesus. Today's homily considers Abraham as the model for listening to God and offers advice as to how we might become more like him.
Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno13:03Homily 287 – Let’s Fight – 1st Sunday of Lenthttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2015/02/homily-287-lets-fight-1st-sunday-of-lent/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2015/02/homily-287-lets-fight-1st-sunday-of-lent/#commentsMon, 23 Feb 2015 01:00:43 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2534Given a choice between war and peace, we would naturally choose peace. Yet sometimes, to maintain peace, we have to fight. Imagine what would happen if we refused to take a worldly enemy seriously and refused to fight simply because we preferred peace. Soon we would have neither peace nor freedom. Sometimes we have to fight. The same is true in the spiritual life. We have a real enemy that is going to fight against us whether we like it or not. We cannot simply sit complacent on the sidelines.

This weekend marks the 70th anniversary of the World War II battle of Iwo Jima. This fight is perhaps best known from the famous picture taken of the marines raising the American flag on the top of Mt. Suribachi. Here in Washington the picture has been made into a large sculpture which serves as the Marine Corp War Memorial. We all love to contemplate this great scene of final victory. Yet this victory came after great struggle and as the fruit of much training and discipline. Today’s homily speaks of how we can take a lesson from the marines to help each of us fight the good fight of Lent and plant our own flag of victory at Easter.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2015/02/homily-287-lets-fight-1st-sunday-of-lent/feed/0Let's FightGiven a choice between war and peace, we would naturally choose peace. Yet sometimes, to maintain peace, we have to fight. Imagine what would happen if we refused to take a worldly enemy seriously and refused to fight simply because we preferred peace. Soon we would have neither peace nor freedom. Sometimes we have to fight. The same is true in the spiritual life. We have a real enemy that is going to fight against us whether we like it or not. We cannot simply sit complacent on the sidelines.
This weekend marks the 70th anniversary of the World War II battle of Iwo Jima. This fight is perhaps best known from the famous picture taken of the marines raising the American flag on the top of Mt. Suribachi. Here in Washington the picture has been made into a large sculpture which serves as the Marine Corp War Memorial. We all love to contemplate this great scene of final victory. Yet this victory came after great struggle and as the fruit of much training and discipline. Today's homily speaks of how we can take a lesson from the marines to help each of us fight the good fight of Lent and plant our own flag of victory at Easter.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno11:35Homily 286 – Be Made Clean – 6th Sunday in Ordinary Timehttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2015/02/homily-286-be-made-clean-6th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2015/02/homily-286-be-made-clean-6th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/#commentsSun, 15 Feb 2015 22:00:39 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2525The disease of leprosy, is the sad context for our readings this weekend. This terrible disease was not only a painful physical milady, but also had serious social implications. We see in the readings how lepers had to stay away from the community and yell “unclean” if anyone came near. By highlighting the issue of leprosy, the Church on this last Sunday before Lent gives us a meditation on the very real effects of sin. Sin, like leprosy, makes our souls and often our bodies unwell. Likewise, because there is no private sin, it also has a communal effect, isolating us from God and our brothers and sisters.

Like the leper, we are called to acknowledge our sin and then come humbly and kneel before Jesus the divine physician. Jesus makes the leper clean. Through the Sacrament of Penance Jesus wishes to make us clean of our sin. This is not some figurative healing; in the Sacrament of Penance we are truly made clean. Notice in the gospel that Jesus does not invite the leper back into the community right away. If Jesus had simply chosen to ignore the disease then the leper would still be a leper and soon the entire society would be sick. Rather, Jesus first cleanses the leper and then invites him back. This Lent, let’s have the humility and courage of the leper to get right with God and neighbor. We too are meant to hear the words of Jesus, “Be made clean.”

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2015/02/homily-286-be-made-clean-6th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/feed/0Be Made CleanThe disease of leprosy, is the sad context for our readings this weekend. This terrible disease was not only a painful physical milady, but also had serious social implications. We see in the readings how lepers had to stay away from the community and yell "unclean" if anyone came near. By highlighting the issue of leprosy, the Church on this last Sunday before Lent gives us a meditation on the very real effects of sin. Sin, like leprosy, makes our souls and often our bodies unwell. Likewise, because there is no private sin, it also has a communal effect, isolating us from God and our brothers and sisters.
Like the leper, we are called to acknowledge our sin and then come humbly and kneel before Jesus the divine physician. Jesus makes the leper clean. Through the Sacrament of Penance Jesus wishes to make us clean of our sin. This is not some figurative healing; in the Sacrament of Penance we are truly made clean. Notice in the gospel that Jesus does not invite the leper back into the community right away. If Jesus had simply chosen to ignore the disease then the leper would still be a leper and soon the entire society would be sick. Rather, Jesus first cleanses the leper and then invites him back. This Lent, let's have the humility and courage of the leper to get right with God and neighbor. We too are meant to hear the words of Jesus, "Be made clean."Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno15:24Homily 285 – The Measure of Success – 3rd Sunday After Epiphany EFhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2015/01/homily-285-the-measure-of-success-3rd-sunday-after-epiphany-ef/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2015/01/homily-285-the-measure-of-success-3rd-sunday-after-epiphany-ef/#commentsSun, 25 Jan 2015 18:11:04 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2501Do you ever find yourself frustrated when trying to share your faith and the person you’re talking to just can’t seem to grasp it? You present evidence and testimony that, to you, seem irresistible. Sometimes even two people raised in the same house can wind up with one person firmly believing in Jesus and another indifferent. Why couldn’t Jesus have made his identity more obvious? He could have manifest himself in a way that no one would be able to miss. Why did he leave things so open to misunderstanding?

We find one perplexing example in today’s gospel. Jesus heals a leper, an event that surely would get people to believe in him. Yet, he tells the man to remain quiet and not tell anyone about the healing. What? If I were the messiah and my goal was to get everyone to accept me, then doing lots of public miracles seems to be a good place to start. Perhaps part of the answer is that Jesus continues the approach that, as God, he has used from the beginning of time. God does not impose himself on us in way we can’t refuse; rather he proposes. He gives us just enough and then allows for the free response of our will.

In this light, we can see why the centurion in today’s gospel is so impressive to Jesus. The Jews had been preparing for centuries for the coming of the messiah. Yet, when he came, many saw the signs he was doing and determined that he was possessed by a demon. The centurion heard about what Jesus was doing and made a conclusion not just about what Jesus could do (heal people), but about who Jesus is. He has authority. The centurion understood authority and Jesus has an authority that the centurion knows is far beyond this world. How can this gentile centurion “get it” when others miss it? What does he have that others don’t? Jesus gives us the answer…it’s faith.

There is something mysterious and supernatural about the response of the centurion. He understands not just things about Jesus, but intuits something deeper about who Jesus really is. As we go about trying to help people come to know Jesus, we should keep these stories in mind. It’s not about the crowds. Jesus sends crowds away. Crowds often misunderstand Jesus. We can present the truth about Jesus and people will reject it and not understand. But some, like the centurion, will respond with faith. While there is much practical work to be done in spreading the gospel, we can never lose sight of the fact that the primary work is on the level of grace. God is the primary worker. He is the one that ultimately proposes.

So as we go about sharing the good news, most especially don’t get discouraged with what seem to be the results. If we try to be “successful” in spreading the gospel we are doomed, as we always measure success on worldly terms. Mother Theresa offers what I think is the best advice. God calls us not to be successful, but to be faithful. So go out and make Jesus manifest; continue his epiphany. Perhaps not many will accept God’s proposal. No matter. Be faithful. Share your joy. God might just surprise you with a centurion when you least expect it.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2015/01/homily-285-the-measure-of-success-3rd-sunday-after-epiphany-ef/feed/0The Measure of SuccessDo you ever find yourself frustrated when trying to share your faith and the person you're talking to just can't seem to grasp it? You present evidence and testimony that, to you, seem irresistible. Sometimes even two people raised in the same house can wind up with one person firmly believing in Jesus and another indifferent. Why couldn't Jesus have made his identity more obvious? He could have manifest himself in a way that no one would be able to miss. Why did he leave things so open to misunderstanding?
We find one perplexing example in today's gospel. Jesus heals a leper, an event that surely would get people to believe in him. Yet, he tells the man to remain quiet and not tell anyone about the healing. What? If I were the messiah and my goal was to get everyone to accept me, then doing lots of public miracles seems to be a good place to start. Perhaps part of the answer is that Jesus continues the approach that, as God, he has used from the beginning of time. God does not impose himself on us in way we can't refuse; rather he proposes. He gives us just enough and then allows for the free response of our will.
In this light, we can see why the centurion in today's gospel is so impressive to Jesus. The Jews had been preparing for centuries for the coming of the messiah. Yet, when he came, many saw the signs he was doing and determined that he was possessed by a demon. The centurion heard about what Jesus was doing and made a conclusion not just about what Jesus could do (heal people), but about who Jesus is. He has authority. The centurion understood authority and Jesus has an authority that the centurion knows is far beyond this world. How can this gentile centurion "get it" when others miss it? What does he have that others don't? Jesus gives us the answer...it's faith.
There is something mysterious and supernatural about the response of the centurion. He understands not just things about Jesus, but intuits something deeper about who Jesus really is. As we go about trying to help people come to know Jesus, we should keep these stories in mind. It's not about the crowds. Jesus sends crowds away. Crowds often misunderstand Jesus. We can present the truth about Jesus and people will reject it and not understand. But some, like the centurion, will respond with faith. While there is much practical work to be done in spreading the gospel, we can never lose sight of the fact that the primary work is on the level of grace. God is the primary worker. He is the one that ultimately proposes.
So as we go about sharing the good news, most especially don't get discouraged with what seem to be the results. If we try to be "successful" in spreading the gospel we are doomed, as we always measure success on worldly terms. Mother Theresa offers what I think is the best advice. God calls us not to be successful, but to be faithful. So go out and make Jesus manifest; continue his epiphany. Perhaps not many will accept God's proposal. No matter. Be faithful. Share your joy. God might just surprise you with a centurion when you least expect it.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno12:41Homily 284 – What’s Your Story? – Epiphanyhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2015/01/homily-284-whats-your-story-epiphany/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2015/01/homily-284-whats-your-story-epiphany/#commentsSun, 04 Jan 2015 22:00:43 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2485We all love stories. Sometimes stories are meant simply to entertain us, but stories are also an important means to make sense out of our life. Stories help put our present situation in a larger context. At Christmas we celebrate the birth of the Messiah that had been promised in a story begun long ago. At Epiphany we see the three kings take their part in the story. In today’s homily, I focus not so much on the story of the kings but, rather, the story told by Isaiah that predicted their arrival centuries earlier.

In the first reading Isaiah is declaring that light is shining on Jerusalem and that the whole world is headed there with treasure. The problem with this is that it appeared not to be true at the time Isaiah spoke it. Jerusalem was a dump. The temple had been destroyed and God’s people were in exile in Babylon. In spite of this, Isaiah prophesies good news. He tells a story about the future, or the present really that they cannot see yet. He brings a message of hope and light to their present darkness.

Many times as a priest I have to do what Isaiah tries to do, to convince people in some present darkness that the light is just around the corner. The devil loves to have us believe the lie that our future is dim and that there is no hope. But this is a lie! How we feel about whatever present situation we are in depends very much on what story we choose to believe. At Christmas we celebrate that God loved us so much that he came in person to save us and will never leave us. Do you realize that’s the story you’re in?

The magi in the gospel today encounter Jesus and then, almost poetically, “return home by another route.” As we encounter Jesus today, what will we do? How we feel about where we’re at and where we’re going depends very much on what story we choose to believe we’re in.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2015/01/homily-284-whats-your-story-epiphany/feed/0What's Your Story?We all love stories. Sometimes stories are meant simply to entertain us, but stories are also an important means to make sense out of our life. Stories help put our present situation in a larger context. At Christmas we celebrate the birth of the Messiah that had been promised in a story begun long ago. At Epiphany we see the three kings take their part in the story. In today's homily, I focus not so much on the story of the kings but, rather, the story told by Isaiah that predicted their arrival centuries earlier.
In the first reading Isaiah is declaring that light is shining on Jerusalem and that the whole world is headed there with treasure. The problem with this is that it appeared not to be true at the time Isaiah spoke it. Jerusalem was a dump. The temple had been destroyed and God's people were in exile in Babylon. In spite of this, Isaiah prophesies good news. He tells a story about the future, or the present really that they cannot see yet. He brings a message of hope and light to their present darkness.
Many times as a priest I have to do what Isaiah tries to do, to convince people in some present darkness that the light is just around the corner. The devil loves to have us believe the lie that our future is dim and that there is no hope. But this is a lie! How we feel about whatever present situation we are in depends very much on what story we choose to believe. At Christmas we celebrate that God loved us so much that he came in person to save us and will never leave us. Do you realize that's the story you're in?
The magi in the gospel today encounter Jesus and then, almost poetically, "return home by another route." As we encounter Jesus today, what will we do? How we feel about where we're at and where we're going depends very much on what story we choose to believe we're in.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno12:41Homily 283 – Light Enough to Lead – Christmashttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/12/homily-283-light-enough-to-lead-christmas/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/12/homily-283-light-enough-to-lead-christmas/#commentsThu, 25 Dec 2014 14:00:50 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2479One of the most cherished traditions of the Church year is celebrating Mass during the dark night of Christmas as we welcome the birth of the Light of the World. It is fitting the our Lord chose to be born at the darkest time of the year just as the light starts to grow brighter. There is much darkness in our world and in our lives. There is much from which we need to be saved. This is why the news of the angles is such good news, “A savior has been born!”

Yes, we have a savior that has come to shine light into our darkness. Yet, it is important to notice that the light that shines does not complete eliminate all darkness, nor does it show us everything of what our future holds. Rather than presenting himself as a bright irresistible light, Jesus comes under the light of a star, a sign so subtle that it was missed by even those most looking for it. Jesus will come at the end of time as the definitive king demanding obedience and placing all things under his rule. Yet, at that first Christmas he chose to come as a little baby, the most non-threatening way we can imagine.

Each day Jesus wants to come into our world. Are we afraid to let him in? Maybe we fear what he will ask or fear that we can’t live up to his expectations. Maybe we just selfishly want to be left alone to be lord of our own lives, even doubting that God really has our best interest at heart. Again the angel give us counsel, “Do not be afraid, for behold I bring tidings of great joy.” Jesus is asking us to accept him, to let him in. Do not be afraid to say yes to him! He is not going to present you with an irresistible offer, so don’t wait for one. Rather, right now he is shining his light on just the next step, light enough to lead. You needn’t worry about where the entire staircase leads, just following the light shining on the next step.

Saying yes to one little step at a time will lead you to the ultimate meaning of your life, to become a great saint. I’ve seen how this can work in my own family and God surely wants the same for you. Don’t be afraid to follow the subtle light of the star shining into your life. Like the three wise men, say yes and get ready for an amazing journey.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/12/homily-283-light-enough-to-lead-christmas/feed/1Light Enough To LeadOne of the most cherished traditions of the Church year is celebrating Mass during the dark night of Christmas as we welcome the birth of the Light of the World. It is fitting the our Lord chose to be born at the darkest time of the year just as the light starts to grow brighter. There is much darkness in our world and in our lives. There is much from which we need to be saved. This is why the news of the angles is such good news, "A savior has been born!"
Yes, we have a savior that has come to shine light into our darkness. Yet, it is important to notice that the light that shines does not complete eliminate all darkness, nor does it show us everything of what our future holds. Rather than presenting himself as a bright irresistible light, Jesus comes under the light of a star, a sign so subtle that it was missed by even those most looking for it. Jesus will come at the end of time as the definitive king demanding obedience and placing all things under his rule. Yet, at that first Christmas he chose to come as a little baby, the most non-threatening way we can imagine.
Each day Jesus wants to come into our world. Are we afraid to let him in? Maybe we fear what he will ask or fear that we can't live up to his expectations. Maybe we just selfishly want to be left alone to be lord of our own lives, even doubting that God really has our best interest at heart. Again the angel give us counsel, "Do not be afraid, for behold I bring tidings of great joy." Jesus is asking us to accept him, to let him in. Do not be afraid to say yes to him! He is not going to present you with an irresistible offer, so don't wait for one. Rather, right now he is shining his light on just the next step, light enough to lead. You needn't worry about where the entire staircase leads, just following the light shining on the next step.
Saying yes to one little step at a time will lead you to the ultimate meaning of your life, to become a great saint. I've seen how this can work in my own family and God surely wants the same for you. Don't be afraid to follow the subtle light of the star shining into your life. Like the three wise men, say yes and get ready for an amazing journey.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno17:48Homily 282 – Imitating St. Paul – 23rd Sunday After Pentecost EFhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/11/homily-282-imitating-st-paul-23rd-sunday-after-pentecost-ef/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/11/homily-282-imitating-st-paul-23rd-sunday-after-pentecost-ef/#commentsSun, 16 Nov 2014 16:31:22 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2472In today’s epistle, St. Paul tells the Ephesians, “Be imitators of me.” It’s a bold statement, yet one that is good advice not only for the Ephesians, but also for us.

In today’s homily I consider three ways that we might imitate St. Paul: Paul the Solider, Paul the Sinner, and Paul the Saint.

Here are some of the quotes I mention in the homily which I think help us to understand what motivated St. Paul and can help us to imitate him.

Soldier

Eph 6:11-13

Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground.

Sinner

Rom 7:14

For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.

2 Cor 12:7-9

So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Saint

Phil 3:4-14

If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/11/homily-282-imitating-st-paul-23rd-sunday-after-pentecost-ef/feed/0Imitating St. PaulIn today's epistle, St. Paul tells the Ephesians, "Be imitators of me." It's a bold statement, yet one that is good advice not only for the Ephesians, but also for us.
In today's homily I consider three ways that we might imitate St. Paul: Paul the Solider, Paul the Sinner, and Paul the Saint.
Here are some of the quotes I mention in the homily which I think help us to understand what motivated St. Paul and can help us to imitate him.
Soldier
Eph 6:11-13
Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground.
Sinner
Rom 7:14
For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.
2 Cor 12:7-9
So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Saint
Phil 3:4-14
If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno19:33Homily 281 – Called to be Winners – All Soulshttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/11/homily-281-called-to-be-winners-all-souls/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/11/homily-281-called-to-be-winners-all-souls/#commentsSun, 02 Nov 2014 17:48:45 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2439Today the Church celebrates the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, often called All Souls Day. Yesterday we celebrated all the saints in white. We honor those have washed their robes and taken their place in heaven. Today we remember all our loved one’s who have died who are still in the process of being “cleaned up” for heaven. There is a tendency today to pretend that everyone goes to heaven, and that they do so immediately after death. The truth is that both heaven and hell are very real. Only people that are perfect enter heaven with the saints, so what about those that fall a little short of “perfect” in this life?

Today’s homily uses some lessons from the world of sports to help us understand our vocation better in this life. We understand in the world of sports that there are winners and losers. Part of the reason that winning is so meaningful is because losing is a very real possibility and losing is terrible. If everyone was a winner, or just “declared to be winners” such as Martin Luther might espouse, then there is really no reason to play the game. Winning wouldn’t mean anything. In the game of life there are winners in heaven and losers in hell. This ultimately should not scare us, but serve to make our lives meaningful. Our struggles matter. Our sufferings are not for no purpose. Fighting hard means we can win!

The good new is that, unlike the World Series where my beloved Kansas City Royals fell 90 feet short of being winners, God has an option not available to the world of sports. God loves us too much to simply allow us into heaven while we’re still losers, but he also loves us too much to send us to hell for being 90 feet short after an otherwise great season. If we truly live our lives loving God and doing the best we can, then God gives us the merciful opportunity to get cleaned up and truly become perfect in Purgatory before entering heaven.

Today we can truly assist our brothers and sisters who have died and can benefit from our prayers. We should also remember that life after death makes this present life all the more exciting. We are called to be winners, so we need to start competing well for the faith. The good news is that, unlike sports where every winner means there is also a loser, in life the only way we wind up losing is if we fail to try.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/11/homily-281-called-to-be-winners-all-souls/feed/0Called to be WinnersToday the Church celebrates the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, often called All Souls Day. Yesterday we celebrated all the saints in white. We honor those have washed their robes and taken their place in heaven. Today we remember all our loved one's who have died who are still in the process of being "cleaned up" for heaven. There is a tendency today to pretend that everyone goes to heaven, and that they do so immediately after death. The truth is that both heaven and hell are very real. Only people that are perfect enter heaven with the saints, so what about those that fall a little short of "perfect" in this life?
Today's homily uses some lessons from the world of sports to help us understand our vocation better in this life. We understand in the world of sports that there are winners and losers. Part of the reason that winning is so meaningful is because losing is a very real possibility and losing is terrible. If everyone was a winner, or just "declared to be winners" such as Martin Luther might espouse, then there is really no reason to play the game. Winning wouldn't mean anything. In the game of life there are winners in heaven and losers in hell. This ultimately should not scare us, but serve to make our lives meaningful. Our struggles matter. Our sufferings are not for no purpose. Fighting hard means we can win!
The good new is that, unlike the World Series where my beloved Kansas City Royals fell 90 feet short of being winners, God has an option not available to the world of sports. God loves us too much to simply allow us into heaven while we're still losers, but he also loves us too much to send us to hell for being 90 feet short after an otherwise great season. If we truly live our lives loving God and doing the best we can, then God gives us the merciful opportunity to get cleaned up and truly become perfect in Purgatory before entering heaven.
Today we can truly assist our brothers and sisters who have died and can benefit from our prayers. We should also remember that life after death makes this present life all the more exciting. We are called to be winners, so we need to start competing well for the faith. The good news is that, unlike sports where every winner means there is also a loser, in life the only way we wind up losing is if we fail to try.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno16:26Homily 280 – Truth, Mercy, and Marriage – 19th Sunday after Pentecost, EFhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/10/homily-280-truth-mercy-and-marriage-19th-sunday-after-pentecost-ef/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/10/homily-280-truth-mercy-and-marriage-19th-sunday-after-pentecost-ef/#commentsSun, 19 Oct 2014 15:08:25 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2435These past few weeks have been filled with a lot of confusion as faithful Catholics and even the larger world have been trying to make sense of various pieces of information coming from Rome and the Synod on the Family. In the process we’ve seen bishops of the Church engaging in political shenanigans, outright lying, and leaking a host of misleading statements. I suppose we can take some solace in the fact that this has often been the case throughout the history of the Church; it’s just that now we have Twitter to cover the play by play.

In spite of the very human side of the Church exposed for all the world to see, the Holy Spirit has indeed been at work. Today the Church beatifies Pope Paul VI who faced similar pressure from society in his day to change Church teaching regarding contraception. The Holy Spirit protected the Church from error then and will continue to do so. In the mean time, the process may indeed look a little messy. They say that if you like sausage you shouldn’t look at how the sausage is made. While that’s not an excuse for some of the behavior we’ve seen over the last weeks, it does give us a reminder to be somewhat patient.

As is often the case, the media is not so good about covering the Church. They try to fit things into categories they can understand. In this case, they have tried to explain the synod by supposing that there are two factions or political parties at work. On the one side there is truth and those rigid conservatives who demand adherence to outdated teaching with cold and unfeeling hearts. On the other side are the pastoral and compassionate progressive bishops who want to show mercy. This might make for a nice news story, but it is simply not that case that there is some battle going on between truth and mercy. The two are not opposites. Both truth and mercy come from the same God and must always be in harmony. Today’s homily seeks to explain the role of each and how they relate to marriage and the family.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/10/homily-280-truth-mercy-and-marriage-19th-sunday-after-pentecost-ef/feed/1Truth, Mercy, and MarriageThese past few weeks have been filled with a lot of confusion as faithful Catholics and even the larger world have been trying to make sense of various pieces of information coming from Rome and the Synod on the Family. In the process we've seen bishops of the Church engaging in political shenanigans, outright lying, and leaking a host of misleading statements. I suppose we can take some solace in the fact that this has often been the case throughout the history of the Church; it's just that now we have Twitter to cover the play by play.
In spite of the very human side of the Church exposed for all the world to see, the Holy Spirit has indeed been at work. Today the Church beatifies Pope Paul VI who faced similar pressure from society in his day to change Church teaching regarding contraception. The Holy Spirit protected the Church from error then and will continue to do so. In the mean time, the process may indeed look a little messy. They say that if you like sausage you shouldn't look at how the sausage is made. While that's not an excuse for some of the behavior we've seen over the last weeks, it does give us a reminder to be somewhat patient.
As is often the case, the media is not so good about covering the Church. They try to fit things into categories they can understand. In this case, they have tried to explain the synod by supposing that there are two factions or political parties at work. On the one side there is truth and those rigid conservatives who demand adherence to outdated teaching with cold and unfeeling hearts. On the other side are the pastoral and compassionate progressive bishops who want to show mercy. This might make for a nice news story, but it is simply not that case that there is some battle going on between truth and mercy. The two are not opposites. Both truth and mercy come from the same God and must always be in harmony. Today's homily seeks to explain the role of each and how they relate to marriage and the family.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno21:28Homily 279 – Who Do You Say the Church Is – 21st Sunday in Ordinary Timehttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/08/homily-279-who-do-you-say-the-church-is-21st-sunday-in-ordinary-time/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/08/homily-279-who-do-you-say-the-church-is-21st-sunday-in-ordinary-time/#commentsMon, 25 Aug 2014 00:40:31 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2422Catholics love to talk about the Church, and today’s Gospel is a great one. Yet, we must learn from the Gospel that the Church is built on personal faith. Specifically, it’s founded on the confession of faith given by Peter himself. Each of us must ground our faith in a similar personal encounter with Jesus. When we have a personal relationship with Jesus, then the Church helps this faith to become powerful. The Church gives that personal faith a communal direction. Today’s homily focuses on both of these important aspects of life in Christ.
]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/08/homily-279-who-do-you-say-the-church-is-21st-sunday-in-ordinary-time/feed/0Who Do You Say the Church IsCatholics love to talk about the Church, and today's Gospel is a great one. Yet, we must learn from the Gospel that the Church is built on personal faith. Specifically, it's founded on the confession of faith given by Peter himself. Each of us must ground our faith in a similar personal encounter with Jesus. When we have a personal relationship with Jesus, then the Church helps this faith to become powerful. The Church gives that personal faith a communal direction. Today's homily focuses on both of these important aspects of life in Christ.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno19:25Homily 278 – We Want God – 20th Sunday in Ordinary Timehttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/08/homily-278-we-want-god-20th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/08/homily-278-we-want-god-20th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/#commentsSun, 17 Aug 2014 14:30:52 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2420In today’s Gospel, Jesus uses an encounter with a Canaanite woman to teach us about prayer. He delays answering her prayer immediately so that her desire might be increased. God does the same with us. He wants us to desire him. Sometimes is takes a long time of asking and even suffering. In the end, the answer to our prayer is not as important as our desire for God. He wants us to end up chanting as they did when St. John Paul II visited Warsaw, “We want God!”
]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/08/homily-278-we-want-god-20th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/feed/0We Want GodIn today's Gospel, Jesus uses an encounter with a Canaanite woman to teach us about prayer. He delays answering her prayer immediately so that her desire might be increased. God does the same with us. He wants us to desire him. Sometimes is takes a long time of asking and even suffering. In the end, the answer to our prayer is not as important as our desire for God. He wants us to end up chanting as they did when St. John Paul II visited Warsaw, "We want God!"Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno12:59Homily 277 – Encountering God – 19th Sunday in Ordinary Timehttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/08/homily-277-encountering-god-19th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/08/homily-277-encountering-god-19th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/#commentsSun, 10 Aug 2014 14:30:53 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2418How do you normally expect to encounter God? Each of today’s three readings point to three different ways that we might have such an encounter with God.
]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/08/homily-277-encountering-god-19th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/feed/0Encountering GodHow do you normally expect to encounter God? Each of today's three readings point to three different ways that we might have such an encounter with God.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno13:20Homily 276 – Competing Well – Peter and Paulhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/06/homily-276-competing-well-peter-and-paul/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/06/homily-276-competing-well-peter-and-paul/#commentsSun, 29 Jun 2014 23:38:09 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2395The following homily was given to scouts gathered for Mass in the Chapel of the Twelve Apostles at the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation in Osceola, Missouri.

Lots of people are talking about the World Cup of soccer. It seems these days we really love our sports. We might therefore be happy to see that apparently St. Paul did too. He frequently uses sports analogies in his writings. In today’s second reading he sums up his whole life by saying he had “competed well” and “run the race.” We know a lot about sports, but how much do we know about our faith? We put a lot of effort into competing well on the field, but what about competing for the faith? Surely God expects as much effort out of us with regard to our faith as we would put into soccer. Today’s homily shows how even the World Cup can teach us something about life.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/06/homily-276-competing-well-peter-and-paul/feed/0Competing WellThe following homily was given to scouts gathered for Mass in the Chapel of the Twelve Apostles at the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation in Osceola, Missouri.
Lots of people are talking about the World Cup of soccer. It seems these days we really love our sports. We might therefore be happy to see that apparently St. Paul did too. He frequently uses sports analogies in his writings. In today's second reading he sums up his whole life by saying he had "competed well" and "run the race." We know a lot about sports, but how much do we know about our faith? We put a lot of effort into competing well on the field, but what about competing for the faith? Surely God expects as much effort out of us with regard to our faith as we would put into soccer. Today's homily shows how even the World Cup can teach us something about life.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno9:47Homily 275 – It Is Better That I Go – Pentecosthttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/06/homily-275-it-is-better-that-i-go-pentecost/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/06/homily-275-it-is-better-that-i-go-pentecost/#commentsMon, 09 Jun 2014 19:00:11 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2390After appearing to his disciples for forty days after his resurrection, Jesus is asked, “Are you going to restore the kingdom now?” To the shock of the apostles, Jesus says instead that he is leaving. He says that it is better that he go, so that the Holy Spirit will come. Jesus doesn’t do the things that apostles might have been implying in their question. He doesn’t kick the Romans out. He doesn’t fix the world. He leaves. Yet, he promises, “I will be with you always.”

We too can find many ways in which we would like Jesus to come and “restore the kingdom,” to “fix the world.” Like with the apostles, Jesus doesn’t promise to fix all the problems we encounter in this world. Rather, he promises to be with us. He has sent us his Spirit, and in doing so is more present to us today than he was when walking the earth with his apostles. Pentecost is a chance to remember the presence of Jesus in his Spirit and hear his calming reassurance, “I am with you…peace.”

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/06/homily-275-it-is-better-that-i-go-pentecost/feed/0It Is Better That I GoAfter appearing to his disciples for forty days after his resurrection, Jesus is asked, "Are you going to restore the kingdom now?" To the shock of the apostles, Jesus says instead that he is leaving. He says that it is better that he go, so that the Holy Spirit will come. Jesus doesn't do the things that apostles might have been implying in their question. He doesn't kick the Romans out. He doesn't fix the world. He leaves. Yet, he promises, "I will be with you always."
We too can find many ways in which we would like Jesus to come and "restore the kingdom," to "fix the world." Like with the apostles, Jesus doesn't promise to fix all the problems we encounter in this world. Rather, he promises to be with us. He has sent us his Spirit, and in doing so is more present to us today than he was when walking the earth with his apostles. Pentecost is a chance to remember the presence of Jesus in his Spirit and hear his calming reassurance, "I am with you...peace."Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno11:13Homily 274 – Inspire. Educate. Evangelize. – Ascensionhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/06/homily-274-inspire-educate-evangelize-ascension/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/06/homily-274-inspire-educate-evangelize-ascension/#commentsSun, 01 Jun 2014 23:30:02 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2386The following homily was given at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Olathe, KS

Right on the top of the parish web site for St. Paul’s are three big words: “Inspire. Educate. Evangelize.” These three words fit nicely with the celebration of the Lord’s Ascension which we celebrate today. First, this day is meant to inspire us. Heave is for real…and our lives are meant to be ordered toward this final end. Secondly, today is a chance to be educated and educate others about what heaven really is. It’s not a cookie for good behavior at the end of life. Heaven is about a relationship…one that starts now. If what we want most of all with our life is God, then we’ll have him for all eternity. If we prefer ourselves and “our way” more than God, then we’ll have that for all eternity. This we call hell. Finally, when we’ve found this relationship with God, we have to go share it. That’s what evangelization is all about. When we’re inspired and educated, then we are sent. Jesus has given us the power. Let’s go spread the good news.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/06/homily-274-inspire-educate-evangelize-ascension/feed/0Inspire. Educate. Evangelize.The following homily was given at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Olathe, KS
Right on the top of the parish web site for St. Paul's are three big words: "Inspire. Educate. Evangelize." These three words fit nicely with the celebration of the Lord's Ascension which we celebrate today. First, this day is meant to inspire us. Heave is for real...and our lives are meant to be ordered toward this final end. Secondly, today is a chance to be educated and educate others about what heaven really is. It's not a cookie for good behavior at the end of life. Heaven is about a relationship...one that starts now. If what we want most of all with our life is God, then we'll have him for all eternity. If we prefer ourselves and "our way" more than God, then we'll have that for all eternity. This we call hell. Finally, when we've found this relationship with God, we have to go share it. That's what evangelization is all about. When we're inspired and educated, then we are sent. Jesus has given us the power. Let's go spread the good news.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno11:03Homily 273 – I Have Called You Friends – Friday 5th Week of Easterhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/05/homily-273-i-have-called-you-friends-friday-5th-week-of-easter/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/05/homily-273-i-have-called-you-friends-friday-5th-week-of-easter/#commentsSat, 24 May 2014 01:00:17 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2383The following homily was given at the Lumen Christi monastery of the Little Sisters of Lamb in Kansas City, KS

Our society today is very focused on romantic love. One would think that this is greatest love one could desire or find. Yet, when Jesus wanted to describe the love he had for his disciples, a love so great that it would cause him to lay down his life, he uses the word “friend.” Sometimes people of the opposite sex who are not romantically interested in each other will say that they are “just friends.” Today’s Gospel teaches us that there is no greater honor that you could ever have than to be someone’s friend.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/05/homily-273-i-have-called-you-friends-friday-5th-week-of-easter/feed/0I Have Called You FriendsThe following homily was given at the Lumen Christi monastery of the Little Sisters of Lamb in Kansas City, KS
Our society today is very focused on romantic love. One would think that this is greatest love one could desire or find. Yet, when Jesus wanted to describe the love he had for his disciples, a love so great that it would cause him to lay down his life, he uses the word "friend." Sometimes people of the opposite sex who are not romantically interested in each other will say that they are "just friends." Today's Gospel teaches us that there is no greater honor that you could ever have than to be someone's friend.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno13:43Homily 272 – Finding the Way – 5th Sunday of Easterhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/05/homily-272-finding-the-way-5th-sunday-of-easter/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/05/homily-272-finding-the-way-5th-sunday-of-easter/#commentsSun, 18 May 2014 17:00:29 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2380The following homily was given at the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, KS on the occasion of the closing of the “Scouting 500″ gathering of scouts from all over the Kansas City area. Archbishop Joseph Naumann and Bishop Robert Finn were present and I was the homilist.

Scouts know a lot about finding the way. We’re famous for it. Here are some thoughts that come to my mind when I think about scouting and finding the way:

1) While we scouts are famous for using a map and compass, a lot of us use GPS these day, especially in our cars. If you hit the “home” button on your GPS, no matter how lost you are, the GPS will calculate the perfect route home. If you take a wrong turn, it will automatically recalculate a new best route, which may not be the same as original best route. In life, we’re trying to get home too, but our home is in heaven. Like a good GPS, God has calculated the perfect route for our life. Yet, sometimes we take some wrong turns and even stop listening to the GPS. When we realize that we’re lost, we don’t need to try to find our way back, we just need to tell God we’re ready to head for home again and he’ll calculate a new best route. So don’t be surprised that the best way through life will most likely be a “recalculated” way.

2) The hard way is normally the best way. We scouts like hard. Anyone can sleep inside. We like to get outside, sleep on the ground, cook over a fire, and have fun doing it. Bad weather isn’t a letdown; it’s a challenge. Sometimes the colder and wetter it is, the more we rise to the challenge. Life throws lots of challenges at us. Jesus didn’t promise that it would be easy to be his followers. Quite the opposite. We scouts should make great disciples of Jesus because we’re not afraid of taking the hard way, even if not many others are going that way.

3) Don’t make things harder than you have to. Although we like hard, we also like being smart and going light. Backpacking is a true test of being smart about the challenges we take on. There is no reason to carry around a bunch of stuff we don’t need when backpacking. Philmont is the ultimate challenge for this. Twelve days with everything you need on your back. In my time at Philmont I’ve been surprised to discover just how little I really need to be comfortable and happy. As we go through life, we should also be careful about what we’re dragging along with us. Are we trying to acquire a bunch of “stuff” thinking it will make us happy? The truth is that we are most happy when we travel light through this world.

4) Freedom does not mean going in as many ways as possible. We are blessed with many opportunities and talents, and for young scouts especially there are so many things that you can do. Sometimes though we try to do too much. We’re afraid of missing out on something, so we play three sports at once, want to be in the band, on the debate team, in the play, in all these different clubs. In the end this leaves us not free, but exhausted. The most important decisions in life often come when we have to say no to one or more good things, so as to say a great yes to one thing. Finding your way through life will meaning saying no to many ways so that you can say yes to the way God has planned for you.

5) Finally, as we try to find our way through life, we are told in today’s Gospel that the way we are looking for is not some new technique or method. The “way” we are looking for is a person, Jesus Christ. He tells us plainly, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” This is an astounding statement. Lots of other religious figures have coming and gone proposing various “ways” that people might go. Jesus comes not with “a” way, but says there is only one way, “the” way. Most radically of all, he says that “the” way is really he himself. Jesus Christ is the only way. That means we’ve got to find this way and then go tell others about it. It’s worth it to say no to every other way to follow the one way that leads us to our ultimate home.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/05/homily-272-finding-the-way-5th-sunday-of-easter/feed/0Finding the WayThe following homily was given at the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, KS on the occasion of the closing of the "Scouting 500" gathering of scouts from all over the Kansas City area. Archbishop Joseph Naumann and Bishop Robert Finn were present and I wa...Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno22:55Homily 271 – Seeing is Believing – 4th Sunday of Lenthttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/03/homily-271-seeing-is-believing-4th-sunday-of-lent/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/03/homily-271-seeing-is-believing-4th-sunday-of-lent/#commentsSun, 30 Mar 2014 14:52:40 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2371Today’s Gospel is filled with uses of the verb “to know.” In an almost trial-like fashion, the witnesses are questioned. The blind man is asked what he knows. “If he is a sinner, I do not know. One thing I do know is that I was blind and now I see.” They question the parents and they reply almost as if advised by counsel, “We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. We do not know how he sees now, nor do we know who opened his eyes.” Everyone is very clear about exactly what they know and what they do not.

After examining all the witnesses and determining what facts can be known from proof, it is clear to just about everyone that a miracle has occurred. Despite all the facts, the Pharisees are not able to reach the obvious conclusion. They remain as it were blind to the truth.

However, the point of this detailed account is not just that the Pharisees fail to see the truth of an event. They are blind to something else much more important. After all this talk of knowing, Jesus comes to the blind man, now able to see, and now asks him not “What do you know?” but “Do you believe?” That’s the key question, for the blind man and for us. Anyone can look at a bunch of facts and reach some kind of conclusion to say what we “know,” but what do we “believe?” In a beautiful twist of providence, the blind man sees more clearly than anyone. “I do believe” and he worshiped.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/03/homily-271-seeing-is-believing-4th-sunday-of-lent/feed/0Seeing is BelievingToday's Gospel is filled with uses of the verb "to know." In an almost trial-like fashion, the witnesses are questioned. The blind man is asked what he knows. "If he is a sinner, I do not know. One thing I do know is that I was blind and now I see." They question the parents and they reply almost as if advised by counsel, "We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. We do not know how he sees now, nor do we know who opened his eyes." Everyone is very clear about exactly what they know and what they do not.
After examining all the witnesses and determining what facts can be known from proof, it is clear to just about everyone that a miracle has occurred. Despite all the facts, the Pharisees are not able to reach the obvious conclusion. They remain as it were blind to the truth.
However, the point of this detailed account is not just that the Pharisees fail to see the truth of an event. They are blind to something else much more important. After all this talk of knowing, Jesus comes to the blind man, now able to see, and now asks him not "What do you know?" but "Do you believe?" That's the key question, for the blind man and for us. Anyone can look at a bunch of facts and reach some kind of conclusion to say what we "know," but what do we "believe?" In a beautiful twist of providence, the blind man sees more clearly than anyone. "I do believe" and he worshiped.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno8:36Homily 270 – I Thirst – 3rd Sunday of Lenthttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/03/homily-270-i-thirst-3rd-sunday-of-lent/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/03/homily-270-i-thirst-3rd-sunday-of-lent/#commentsSun, 23 Mar 2014 17:00:36 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2369Today’s story of the woman at the well uses one of our most basic human needs, our thirst, to teach us about God. We thirst for all kinds of things besides just water. Like the woman at the well, we keep going back over and over to try to satisfy our desires. We too would be attracted by the idea of never thirsting again. Jesus comes to teach the woman what will ultimately satisfy her thirst. None of us will have rest until we rest in God; only God can truly satisfy our thirst.

Yet, the reading today adds something that might easily be overlooked. Jesus also thirsts. He begins by asking the woman for a drink. Just as the woman is thirsting for more than mere water, so too Jesus is thirsting for something deeper. As we continue our journey toward Calvary, it won’t be long before we will again hear Jesus crying out “I thirst,” this time from the cross. What is Jesus thirsting for? He thirsts for us.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/03/homily-270-i-thirst-3rd-sunday-of-lent/feed/0I ThirstToday's story of the woman at the well uses one of our most basic human needs, our thirst, to teach us about God. We thirst for all kinds of things besides just water. Like the woman at the well, we keep going back over and over to try to satisfy our desires. We too would be attracted by the idea of never thirsting again. Jesus comes to teach the woman what will ultimately satisfy her thirst. None of us will have rest until we rest in God; only God can truly satisfy our thirst.
Yet, the reading today adds something that might easily be overlooked. Jesus also thirsts. He begins by asking the woman for a drink. Just as the woman is thirsting for more than mere water, so too Jesus is thirsting for something deeper. As we continue our journey toward Calvary, it won't be long before we will again hear Jesus crying out "I thirst," this time from the cross. What is Jesus thirsting for? He thirsts for us.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno10:46Homily 269 – The Risky Hillside City – 5th Sunday in Ordinary Timehttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/02/homily-269-the-risky-hillside-city-5th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/02/homily-269-the-risky-hillside-city-5th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/#commentsSun, 09 Feb 2014 16:51:03 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2342The Hillside City of Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee

In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks of a city on a mountain or hill not being able to be hidden. Perhaps we might think of a city high up on a mountain. When I went to Galilee to the spot where Jesus spoke these works, I found that he might be referring to something different. A city set on a hill might be something more like the city of Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee. It is literally “set on a hill” by being built into the hillside. You can see each successive terrace of the city as it climbs higher and higher. Indeed such a city cannot be hidden, especially at night.

Today we look at the city of Tiberias at night and think how beautiful it is. Yet, when Jesus spoke about such a city, his apostles would have though also about how dangerous it is. In the ancient world you constantly had to worry about your city being attacked. For protection you could make high walls or, better yet, completely hide the city underground. A city that could be hidden was a safe city, a “city that cannot be hidden” as Jesus spoke of was a dangerous city.

Despite the dangers, Jesus clearly wants his disciples and his Church today to take the riskier path of being a city exposed for all to see. We are to let our light shine. The readings today tell us that the best way to do this is not just with words, as St. Paul cautions, but with our actions. We know that if we stand for moral principles, bear witness to the truth, live our faith in public, then we will be exposed and vulnerable to attack like a city on a hillside. Yet this is what we are called to do.

When we know this we shouldn’t be surprised that we get singled out for special scrutiny or that the devil seems to be constantly putting up obstacles. If you’re under attack, it means you are doing real damage to Satan’s kingdom, it means you have a city that is worth attacking. Good for you! It won’t be easy, but it’s worth the risk. In the end, there are two options. We can build our city on a hillside with all the opportunity and danger that go together or we can try to hide underground where it will be safer. Which city do you want your life to be?

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/02/homily-269-the-risky-hillside-city-5th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/feed/0The Risky Hillside CityThe Hillside City of Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee
In today's Gospel, Jesus speaks of a city on a mountain or hill not being able to be hidden. Perhaps we might think of a city high up on a mountain. When I went to Galilee to the spot where Jesus spoke these works, I found that he might be referring to something different. A city set on a hill might be something more like the city of Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee. It is literally "set on a hill" by being built into the hillside. You can see each successive terrace of the city as it climbs higher and higher. Indeed such a city cannot be hidden, especially at night.
Today we look at the city of Tiberias at night and think how beautiful it is. Yet, when Jesus spoke about such a city, his apostles would have though also about how dangerous it is. In the ancient world you constantly had to worry about your city being attacked. For protection you could make high walls or, better yet, completely hide the city underground. A city that could be hidden was a safe city, a "city that cannot be hidden" as Jesus spoke of was a dangerous city.
Despite the dangers, Jesus clearly wants his disciples and his Church today to take the riskier path of being a city exposed for all to see. We are to let our light shine. The readings today tell us that the best way to do this is not just with words, as St. Paul cautions, but with our actions. We know that if we stand for moral principles, bear witness to the truth, live our faith in public, then we will be exposed and vulnerable to attack like a city on a hillside. Yet this is what we are called to do.
When we know this we shouldn't be surprised that we get singled out for special scrutiny or that the devil seems to be constantly putting up obstacles. If you're under attack, it means you are doing real damage to Satan's kingdom, it means you have a city that is worth attacking. Good for you! It won't be easy, but it's worth the risk. In the end, there are two options. We can build our city on a hillside with all the opportunity and danger that go together or we can try to hide underground where it will be safer. Which city do you want your life to be?Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno13:30Homily 268 – 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Timehttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/01/homily-268-2nd-sunday-in-ordinary-time/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/01/homily-268-2nd-sunday-in-ordinary-time/#commentsSun, 19 Jan 2014 20:00:08 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2208Prophets for Life

Today’s readings speak to us of two great prophets, Isaiah and John the Baptist. We tend to think of a prophet as someone who predicts the future. Yet the role of a true prophet of God is to speak the word of God to the world right now. The message might concern the future, but more importantly it concerns what God is saying to us right now. Everyone who is baptized has received the call to be a prophet, to speak on behalf of God. This homily was given to a church filled with young people preparing for the March for Life this week. They are prophets, speaking for God and speaking for those who cannot speak.

As we celebrate Martin Luther King Day tomorrow, I am reminded of the prophetic gathering in Washington 50 years ago for the famous “I have a dream speech.” I remember seeing the pictures growing up of the national mall covered with people. Coming to my first March for Life 14 years ago, I felt that this was my generation’s chance for a moment like that, to be prophets. The media doesn’t give much coverage to the March for Life, but the truth is that there are twice as many people in Washington for the March for Life as were in Washington 50 years ago…and this event happens not once, but every year!

It’s not easy being a prophet. Yet, I don’t suspect that John the Baptist spent much time worrying about how successful he was on worldly standards. He had his mission and he did it. May God bless all the modern day prophets who this week pray and march for life. Safe travels, and may more and more of the baptized find the the courage to be prophets of God, prophets for life.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/01/homily-268-2nd-sunday-in-ordinary-time/feed/1Prophets for LifeProphets for Life
Today's readings speak to us of two great prophets, Isaiah and John the Baptist. We tend to think of a prophet as someone who predicts the future. Yet the role of a true prophet of God is to speak the word of God to the world right now. The message might concern the future, but more importantly it concerns what God is saying to us right now. Everyone who is baptized has received the call to be a prophet, to speak on behalf of God. This homily was given to a church filled with young people preparing for the March for Life this week. They are prophets, speaking for God and speaking for those who cannot speak.
As we celebrate Martin Luther King Day tomorrow, I am reminded of the prophetic gathering in Washington 50 years ago for the famous "I have a dream speech." I remember seeing the pictures growing up of the national mall covered with people. Coming to my first March for Life 14 years ago, I felt that this was my generation's chance for a moment like that, to be prophets. The media doesn't give much coverage to the March for Life, but the truth is that there are twice as many people in Washington for the March for Life as were in Washington 50 years ago...and this event happens not once, but every year!
It's not easy being a prophet. Yet, I don't suspect that John the Baptist spent much time worrying about how successful he was on worldly standards. He had his mission and he did it. May God bless all the modern day prophets who this week pray and march for life. Safe travels, and may more and more of the baptized find the the courage to be prophets of God, prophets for life.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno16:21Homily 267 – Epiphanyhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/01/homily-267-epiphany/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/01/homily-267-epiphany/#commentsSun, 05 Jan 2014 19:00:47 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2205The Pax of the Magi

As we contemplate the arrival of the Magi in Bethlehem today it’s important that become more to us than just some additional figures in our Christmas nativity scenes. They give us an example to follow. Today’s homily reflects on three important things that the Magi did that we should also do if we want peace (Latin: Pax) in this New Year:

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/01/homily-267-epiphany/feed/0The Pax of the MagiThe Pax of the Magi
As we contemplate the arrival of the Magi in Bethlehem today it's important that become more to us than just some additional figures in our Christmas nativity scenes. They give us an example to follow. Today's homily reflects on three important things that the Magi did that we should also do if we want peace (Latin: Pax) in this New Year:
P- Pay Attention
A - Act
X- Exchange Your Path for God's (sorry English teachers)Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno12:16Homily 266 – Solemnity of Maryhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/01/homily-266-solemnity-of-mary/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/01/homily-266-solemnity-of-mary/#commentsWed, 01 Jan 2014 19:05:12 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2202Peace for the New Year

Today is not only the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, but also the World Day of Prayer for Peace. In today’s homily, I consider Mary’s example as a way for all of us to have peace in the New Year. If you want peace in your hearts this new year, here are five practical tips based on the word peace.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2014/01/homily-266-solemnity-of-mary/feed/0Peace for the New YearPeace for the New Year
Today is not only the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, but also the World Day of Prayer for Peace. In today's homily, I consider Mary's example as a way for all of us to have peace in the New Year. If you want peace in your hearts this new year, here are five practical tips based on the word peace.
P- pondering
E - expectations
A - activities
C - completely trust
E - eternityFr. Shawn P. Tuninkno11:37Homily 265 – Holy Familyhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/12/homily-265-holy-family/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/12/homily-265-holy-family/#commentsSun, 29 Dec 2013 17:08:22 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2200Save the Family, Save the World

As we look today at the holy family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, it wold be easy to dwell on just how much our actual families don’t measure up to this standard. Our families aren’t perfect. There are all kinds of struggles and difficulties. Often our families seem to be a bit of a mess. While this may be true, it’s not really unusual. Being part of a family has always had its joys and struggles. What seems to be different about our day is that people are believing that there really can be “perfect” marriages or families, or at least better ones than what they’ve got. Sadly, people abandon their spouses and children in an impossible quest for the “perfect” family.

The holy family gives us the perfect answer today. Their situation was far from ideal, but they continued to say yes to God, even when His plan didn’t match their plans. We’ve got to be willing to do the same. We’ve got to fight for our families. If our culture is sick it is because our families are sick. A lot is riding on remaining faithful in the school of holiness we call family. Save the family, save the world.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/12/homily-265-holy-family/feed/0Save the Family, Save the WorldSave the Family, Save the World
As we look today at the holy family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, it wold be easy to dwell on just how much our actual families don't measure up to this standard. Our families aren't perfect. There are all kinds of struggles and difficulties. Often our families seem to be a bit of a mess. While this may be true, it's not really unusual. Being part of a family has always had its joys and struggles. What seems to be different about our day is that people are believing that there really can be "perfect" marriages or families, or at least better ones than what they've got. Sadly, people abandon their spouses and children in an impossible quest for the "perfect" family.
The holy family gives us the perfect answer today. Their situation was far from ideal, but they continued to say yes to God, even when His plan didn't match their plans. We've got to be willing to do the same. We've got to fight for our families. If our culture is sick it is because our families are sick. A lot is riding on remaining faithful in the school of holiness we call family. Save the family, save the world.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno14:57Homily 264 – Christmashttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/12/homily-264-christmas/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/12/homily-264-christmas/#commentsWed, 25 Dec 2013 18:00:53 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2198The Quest for the Perfect Christmas

Each year I set out on a secret quest to try to celebrate the “perfect” Christmas. I begin with careful mixes of Christmas music, Christmas cookies, and the right proportion of present buying and present receiving. Try as I might, I don’t think I’ve ever had the “perfect” Christmas. Real life always seems to get in the way. The good news is that the first Christmas wasn’t so perfect in the normal way either. There were a lot of problems with that first Christmas. So, if your Christmas doesn’t seem all that perfect, or if life seems far from perfect right now…don’t worry. Jesus came precisely because things were not perfect; things were a mess really, and in many ways still are. The good news of Christmas is that “A Savior has been born” for us as the shepherds were told. If you feel like your Christmas needs a little saving then the words of the angel are indeed “Good news and great joy.”

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/12/homily-264-christmas/feed/0The Quest for the Perfect ChristmasThe Quest for the Perfect Christmas
Each year I set out on a secret quest to try to celebrate the "perfect" Christmas. I begin with careful mixes of Christmas music, Christmas cookies, and the right proportion of present buying and present receiving. Try as I might, I don't think I've ever had the "perfect" Christmas. Real life always seems to get in the way. The good news is that the first Christmas wasn't so perfect in the normal way either. There were a lot of problems with that first Christmas. So, if your Christmas doesn't seem all that perfect, or if life seems far from perfect right now...don't worry. Jesus came precisely because things were not perfect; things were a mess really, and in many ways still are. The good news of Christmas is that "A Savior has been born" for us as the shepherds were told. If you feel like your Christmas needs a little saving then the words of the angel are indeed "Good news and great joy."Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno12:04Homily 263 – 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Timehttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/11/homily-263-32nd-sunday-in-ordinary-time/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/11/homily-263-32nd-sunday-in-ordinary-time/#commentsSun, 10 Nov 2013 17:19:32 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2195Courage to Fight

Today’s is the 238th anniversary of the birth of the United States Marine Corps. Tomorrow is also Veterans’ Day. While neither those who serve in uniform nor the Church glorify war, we are rightly inspired by the selfless sacrifice of those who serve in our country’s armed forces. Today’s homily explores some of the important lessons we can learn from our men and women in uniform and how we can better fight so as win the many spiritual battles we face each day as the Church Militant.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/11/homily-263-32nd-sunday-in-ordinary-time/feed/1Courage to FightCourage to Fight
Today's is the 238th anniversary of the birth of the United States Marine Corps. Tomorrow is also Veterans' Day. While neither those who serve in uniform nor the Church glorify war, we are rightly inspired by the selfless sacrifice of those who serve in our country's armed forces. Today's homily explores some of the important lessons we can learn from our men and women in uniform and how we can better fight so as win the many spiritual battles we face each day as the Church Militant.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno12:55Homily 262 – 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jayden’s Baptismhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/09/homily-262-26th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-jaydens-baptism/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/09/homily-262-26th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-jaydens-baptism/#commentsSat, 28 Sep 2013 21:30:35 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2164

Witnessing the Noble Confession

Today I had the joy of baptizing my newest nephew who was born two weeks ago. He’s very cute…which I think he gets from me. I had the added blessing of celebrating the baptism at the same church where I was baptized. I don’t often celebrate baptisms during Mass, but every now and then it’s nice for all of us to be reminded about what it is that is at the center of our faith. The second reading today reminds all of us about the noble confession of faith that was begun at our baptism and which we must renew often.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/09/homily-262-26th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-jaydens-baptism/feed/0Witnessing the Noble ConfessionWitnessing the Noble Confession
Today I had the joy of baptizing my newest nephew who was born two weeks ago. He's very cute...which I think he gets from me. I had the added blessing of celebrating the baptism at the same church where I was baptized. I don't often celebrate baptisms during Mass, but every now and then it's nice for all of us to be reminded about what it is that is at the center of our faith. The second reading today reminds all of us about the noble confession of faith that was begun at our baptism and which we must renew often.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno14:31Homily 261 – 19th Sunday in Ordinary Timehttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/08/homily-261-19th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/08/homily-261-19th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/#commentsSun, 11 Aug 2013 17:00:43 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2144Evidence for Faith

Often times people of faith are made to believe that scientific knowledge is more believable than the knowledge faith provides. Sometimes, even those who are believers can make the mistake of thinking that faith means accepting things that are irrational or that seem impossible. Today’s second reading from the Letter to the Hebrews assures us that opposite is true.

“Faith is the realization of what is hoped for, evidence of things invisible.” Science can only tell us about this physical world. By definition, science will never be able to create an experiment that proves or disproves the existence of God. Since God exists outside of the system of our physical world, it takes a different kind of knowing to gain knowledge about God. This way of knowing we call faith, and it is every bit as certain as the knowledge we gain from science. We should never be scared of science. The more we experiment, the more we will see that this visible world points to an invisible reality, even providing evidence for faith.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/08/homily-261-19th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/feed/0Evidence for FaithEvidence for Faith
Often times people of faith are made to believe that scientific knowledge is more believable than the knowledge faith provides. Sometimes, even those who are believers can make the mistake of thinking that faith means accepting things that are irrational or that seem impossible. Today's second reading from the Letter to the Hebrews assures us that opposite is true.
"Faith is the realization of what is hoped for, evidence of things invisible." Science can only tell us about this physical world. By definition, science will never be able to create an experiment that proves or disproves the existence of God. Since God exists outside of the system of our physical world, it takes a different kind of knowing to gain knowledge about God. This way of knowing we call faith, and it is every bit as certain as the knowledge we gain from science. We should never be scared of science. The more we experiment, the more we will see that this visible world points to an invisible reality, even providing evidence for faith.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno12:08Homily 260 – 18th Sunday in Ordinary Timehttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/08/homily-260-18th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/08/homily-260-18th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/#commentsSun, 04 Aug 2013 17:00:24 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2140Numbering Our Days Aright

In today’s psalm the author prays “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart.” There is a certain wisdom that comes from remembering that our days are numbered. None of us lives forever. Moreover, since we know not when our last day will come, we should live each day with at least some thought about our last day. The world might go on for centuries, you’re life might go on for decades…or you could get hit by a bus today. Are you ready? If not, why not make some changes today.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/08/homily-260-18th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/feed/0Numbering Our Days ArightNumbering Our Days Aright
In today's psalm the author prays "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart." There is a certain wisdom that comes from remembering that our days are numbered. None of us lives forever. Moreover, since we know not when our last day will come, we should live each day with at least some thought about our last day. The world might go on for centuries, you're life might go on for decades...or you could get hit by a bus today. Are you ready? If not, why not make some changes today.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno10:10Homily 259 – 17th Sunday in Ordinary Timehttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/07/homily-259-17th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/07/homily-259-17th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/#commentsSun, 28 Jul 2013 20:15:49 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2104Prayer Conforms Our Hearts to God

In our first reading today, Abraham shows us the power of intercessory prayer. Specifically, his nephew Lot has gotten himself into trouble living in the Las Vegas of the biblical world, the city of Sodom. Through the prayer of Abraham, Lot and his family are saved. That’s good news for all of us who know some family members that could using a little saving.

God really does hear our prayers. Yet, while it’s somewhat poetic to think of us changing God’s mind as a result of our prayer, the deeper reality is that prayer changes us. Jesus has an intimacy with his father in prayer that makes the disciples jealous. The ultimate fruit of prayer is not that our prayers change the world or even God, but that we grow in intimacy with God. It’s our hearts that change to become more like God. What better answer to prayer could there be?

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/07/homily-259-17th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/feed/1Prayer Conforms Our Hearts to GodPrayer Conforms Our Hearts to God
In our first reading today, Abraham shows us the power of intercessory prayer. Specifically, his nephew Lot has gotten himself into trouble living in the Las Vegas of the biblical world, the city of Sodom. Through the prayer of Abraham, Lot and his family are saved. That's good news for all of us who know some family members that could using a little saving.
God really does hear our prayers. Yet, while it's somewhat poetic to think of us changing God's mind as a result of our prayer, the deeper reality is that prayer changes us. Jesus has an intimacy with his father in prayer that makes the disciples jealous. The ultimate fruit of prayer is not that our prayers change the world or even God, but that we grow in intimacy with God. It's our hearts that change to become more like God. What better answer to prayer could there be?Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno11:28Homily 258 – 16th Sunday in Ordinary Timehttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/07/homily-258-16th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/07/homily-258-16th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/#commentsSun, 21 Jul 2013 17:00:08 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2101Choosing the Better Part

Jesus chastises Martha in the gospel today for being “anxious and worried about many things” while there is “need of only one thing.” We too often get swept up in doing so many good things that wind up worn out and not fulfilled. Normally it’s not that we’re doing bad things, just like serving was not a bad thing for Martha to be doing. However, when we get too busy with worldly things we can tend to miss the one thing that is important.

If someone looked at your calendar, would they be able to tell the one thing that matters most in your life? Most in importantly, would that one thing be God?

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/07/homily-258-16th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/feed/0Choosing the Better PartChoosing the Better Part
Jesus chastises Martha in the gospel today for being "anxious and worried about many things" while there is "need of only one thing." We too often get swept up in doing so many good things that wind up worn out and not fulfilled. Normally it's not that we're doing bad things, just like serving was not a bad thing for Martha to be doing. However, when we get too busy with worldly things we can tend to miss the one thing that is important.
If someone looked at your calendar, would they be able to tell the one thing that matters most in your life? Most in importantly, would that one thing be God?Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno11:01Homily 257 – 13th Sunday in Ordinary Timehttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/06/homily-257-13th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/06/homily-257-13th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/#commentsSun, 30 Jun 2013 15:00:48 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2096Farewell to Curé of Ars

Today’s homily is the last one given by me as the Associate Pastor at Curé of Ars. It’s been an amazing two years here and I want to thank everyone. My recent car accident has made it difficult to do some of the normal physical tasks of life, but has made it much easier for me to see what is really important. Nothing matters more than our relationship with God. After that, it’s our relationship with our family and friends that matters. Those are the things that last. I am blessed to call so many of you at Curé among my extended family. Please pray for me as I go to Washington, and know that I will pray for you.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/06/homily-257-13th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/feed/0Farewell to Curé of ArsFarewell to Curé of Ars
Today's homily is the last one given by me as the Associate Pastor at Curé of Ars. It's been an amazing two years here and I want to thank everyone. My recent car accident has made it difficult to do some of the normal physical tasks of life, but has made it much easier for me to see what is really important. Nothing matters more than our relationship with God. After that, it's our relationship with our family and friends that matters. Those are the things that last. I am blessed to call so many of you at Curé among my extended family. Please pray for me as I go to Washington, and know that I will pray for you.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno12:45Homily 256 – 12th Sunday in Ordinary Timehttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/06/homily-256-12th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/06/homily-256-12th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/#commentsSun, 23 Jun 2013 15:00:10 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2094Big Rewards from Small Commitments

Today’s homily was delivered to over 500 scouts present for Mass at the Chapel of the Twelve Apostles on the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation in Osceola, Missouri.

I love playing my trumpet. With all the activities that I did in school growing up, playing trumpet is one that I have continued to enjoy. People often wonder how I got started. The truth is, I just wanted to be my troop bugler. Little did I know that trying to fill that simple need of my troop back in 6th grade would lead to one of the most enjoyable leisure activities in my life.

God often works this way. He’s got a big plan for our happiness, but he only shows it to us in little bits. It takes saying yes to one little decision each day, taking one small step. Before you know it, you look back and see all the fruit that God brought from those baby steps. Let’s pray that we can all have the faith to make the commitments that God is asking of us.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/06/homily-256-12th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/feed/0Big Rewards from Small CommitmentsBig Rewards from Small Commitments
Today's homily was delivered to over 500 scouts present for Mass at the Chapel of the Twelve Apostles on the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation in Osceola, Missouri.
I love playing my trumpet. With all the activities that I did in school growing up, playing trumpet is one that I have continued to enjoy. People often wonder how I got started. The truth is, I just wanted to be my troop bugler. Little did I know that trying to fill that simple need of my troop back in 6th grade would lead to one of the most enjoyable leisure activities in my life.
God often works this way. He's got a big plan for our happiness, but he only shows it to us in little bits. It takes saying yes to one little decision each day, taking one small step. Before you know it, you look back and see all the fruit that God brought from those baby steps. Let's pray that we can all have the faith to make the commitments that God is asking of us.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno19:58Homily 255 – 11th Sunday in Ordinary Timehttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/06/homily-255-11th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/06/homily-255-11th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/#commentsSun, 16 Jun 2013 17:25:26 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2081What Does God Think About Sinners?

Today’s readings all consider the important question of sin and what to do with sinners. We get several examples of people who know they are sinners…David and the woman in the Gospel. We even get one example of a guy who thinks he’s not a sinner but everyone else is…Simon. Most importantly we get the example of Jesus and how to deal with all these people. From this we can learn just what God might think of us.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/06/homily-255-11th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/feed/1What Does God Think About Sinners?What Does God Think About Sinners?
Today's readings all consider the important question of sin and what to do with sinners. We get several examples of people who know they are sinners...David and the woman in the Gospel. We even get one example of a guy who thinks he's not a sinner but everyone else is...Simon. Most importantly we get the example of Jesus and how to deal with all these people. From this we can learn just what God might think of us.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno9:22Homily 254 – 10th Sunday in Ordinary Timehttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/06/homily-254-10th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/06/homily-254-10th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/#commentsSun, 09 Jun 2013 17:07:53 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2079Expanded Expectations

Both in the first reading and the gospel today we see God do the unexpected…he raises someone from the dead. Just when people though they had Jesus figured out, he goes and does something so unexpected that people are left in fear. Perhaps we don’t expect much from God. We can get so used to God acting in certain ways in our life that we really don’t think that anything all that out of the ordinary is possible. Today’s readings and homily are all about helping us to to expand our expectations and to even expect the unexpected.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/06/homily-254-10th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/feed/0Expanded ExpectationsExpanded Expectations
Both in the first reading and the gospel today we see God do the unexpected...he raises someone from the dead. Just when people though they had Jesus figured out, he goes and does something so unexpected that people are left in fear. Perhaps we don't expect much from God. We can get so used to God acting in certain ways in our life that we really don't think that anything all that out of the ordinary is possible. Today's readings and homily are all about helping us to to expand our expectations and to even expect the unexpected.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno13:27Homily 253 – Corpus Christihttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/06/homily-253-corpus-christi/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/06/homily-253-corpus-christi/#commentsSun, 02 Jun 2013 15:38:29 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2076A Matter of Life and Death

Why a feast in honor of the Eucharist? Isn’t every Mass a celebration of the Eucharist? Sometimes we can allow ourselves to take the Eucharist for granted and not give Jesus the reverence and love that we should. That’s why we need a special feast like this. St. Paul reminds us that the Eucharist is serious business, life and death business, as we also hear in the sequence today. Let’s do our best each day to prepare well to receive Jesus and allow him to form us more perfectly into his family, the Body of Christ.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/06/homily-253-corpus-christi/feed/0A Matter of Life and DeathA Matter of Life and Death
Why a feast in honor of the Eucharist? Isn't every Mass a celebration of the Eucharist? Sometimes we can allow ourselves to take the Eucharist for granted and not give Jesus the reverence and love that we should. That's why we need a special feast like this. St. Paul reminds us that the Eucharist is serious business, life and death business, as we also hear in the sequence today. Let's do our best each day to prepare well to receive Jesus and allow him to form us more perfectly into his family, the Body of Christ.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno13:19Homily 252 – Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinityhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/05/homily-252-solemnity-of-the-most-holy-trinity/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/05/homily-252-solemnity-of-the-most-holy-trinity/#commentsSun, 26 May 2013 15:32:19 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2073The Joy of Affliction

In the 2nd reading today, St. Paul tells us to boast even in our afflictions. This leads to endurance, which leads to proven character, which leads to hope, he tells us. We tend to not like affliction and often run away from it. Yet on this Memorial Day weekend we are especially aware of the men and women who throughout history have countless times put themselves in the path of affliction and even given their lives for our freedom. Certainly St. Paul’s phrase, “proven character,” immediately reminds us of our veterans.

You see the secret that our veterans know is that you will never find peace running from trouble. Rather, meaning in life is found most beautifully when you find something worthy giving your life. This is also the secret to the Christian life and to today’s celebration of the Trinity. God cannot be a solitary being because even God needs someone to whom he can give himself. Our lives are meant to image this self giving of the three persons of the Trinity. Today we honor the sacrifice of our men and women who have and do protect our freedom and we hear the call of Jesus to follow after him and make our lives a gift for others.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/05/homily-252-solemnity-of-the-most-holy-trinity/feed/0The Joy of AfflictionThe Joy of Affliction
In the 2nd reading today, St. Paul tells us to boast even in our afflictions. This leads to endurance, which leads to proven character, which leads to hope, he tells us. We tend to not like affliction and often run away from it. Yet on this Memorial Day weekend we are especially aware of the men and women who throughout history have countless times put themselves in the path of affliction and even given their lives for our freedom. Certainly St. Paul's phrase, "proven character," immediately reminds us of our veterans.
You see the secret that our veterans know is that you will never find peace running from trouble. Rather, meaning in life is found most beautifully when you find something worthy giving your life. This is also the secret to the Christian life and to today's celebration of the Trinity. God cannot be a solitary being because even God needs someone to whom he can give himself. Our lives are meant to image this self giving of the three persons of the Trinity. Today we honor the sacrifice of our men and women who have and do protect our freedom and we hear the call of Jesus to follow after him and make our lives a gift for others.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno12:50Homily 251 – Pentecosthttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/05/homily-251-pentecost/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/05/homily-251-pentecost/#commentsSun, 19 May 2013 18:26:27 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2067Explode with the Spirit

The Scriptures use the image of wind and fire to describe the power of the Holy Spirit. The Greek word for this power is dynamis, from where we get the more familiar word dynamite. Like the Apostles we might wish to stay comfortable in the relatively safe environment of the upper room or our church buildings. However, this is not the plan of the Spirit. The Spirit doesn’t like to stay boxed in. He blows where he wills and does so with power. Today is a day for coming out of our comfort zones to speak boldly and publicly about Jesus. We’ve got infinite amounts of grace stored up through the Sacraments. Now it’s time to let the dynamis of the Spirit explode.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/05/homily-251-pentecost/feed/1Explode with the Spirit - The Scriptures use the image of wind and fire to describe the power of the Holy Spirit. The Greek word for this power is dynamis, from where we get the more familiar word dynamite.Explode with the Spirit
The Scriptures use the image of wind and fire to describe the power of the Holy Spirit. The Greek word for this power is dynamis, from where we get the more familiar word dynamite. Like the Apostles we might wish to stay comfortable in the relatively safe environment of the upper room or our church buildings. However, this is not the plan of the Spirit. The Spirit doesn't like to stay boxed in. He blows where he wills and does so with power. Today is a day for coming out of our comfort zones to speak boldly and publicly about Jesus. We've got infinite amounts of grace stored up through the Sacraments. Now it's time to let the dynamis of the Spirit explode.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno14:23Homily 250 – Ascensionhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/05/homily-250-ascension/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/05/homily-250-ascension/#commentsSun, 12 May 2013 16:33:20 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2065A Pilot’s Perspective

There are lots of theological ways to look at the meaning of today’s Solemnity of the Ascension of Our Lord. However, in today’s homily I give a perspective that few priests will probably preach on today. Today’s homily is the Ascension from a pilot’s perspective. Fasten your seat belts please.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/05/homily-250-ascension/feed/0A Pilot's PerspectiveA Pilot's Perspective
There are lots of theological ways to look at the meaning of today's Solemnity of the Ascension of Our Lord. However, in today's homily I give a perspective that few priests will probably preach on today. Today's homily is the Ascension from a pilot's perspective. Fasten your seat belts please.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno11:57Homily 249 – 6th Sunday of Easterhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/05/homily-249-6th-sunday-of-easter/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/05/homily-249-6th-sunday-of-easter/#commentsSun, 05 May 2013 16:05:27 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2053Mary’s Month

The month of May is one in which we give special honor to our Blessed Mother Mary. Today’s homily if full of some good tips in how we can entrust ourselves more to Mary and so become more like Jesus her son. Like little children, we never have to be worried or afraid in the arms of our mother.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/05/homily-249-6th-sunday-of-easter/feed/0Mary's MonthMary's Month
The month of May is one in which we give special honor to our Blessed Mother Mary. Today's homily if full of some good tips in how we can entrust ourselves more to Mary and so become more like Jesus her son. Like little children, we never have to be worried or afraid in the arms of our mother.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno11:56Homily 248 – 5th Sunday of Easterhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/04/homily-248-5th-sunday-of-easter/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/04/homily-248-5th-sunday-of-easter/#commentsMon, 29 Apr 2013 03:58:24 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2051The Church Visible

I was once surprised to learn that many non-Catholics use the same creed that we do and actually profess to believe in “one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church” just like we do. How can that be? For most of them, they understand the word “catholic” very generically and believe that this “universal” church is in fact more of an idea or even invisible. Today’s first reading clearly shows us a church that exists concretely. St. Paul establishes actual communities with priests to lead them. When he goes to a town he calls together the church, clearly a tangible body. So why would someone want to belong to an invisible church?

Two things come to mind. First, an invisible church doesn’t make any demands on us. We can stay exactly as we are and create our invisible church to suit all our weaknesses that we’d rather not change. An invisible church can be rather convenient if you’re not looking to grow in holiness. Secondly, an invisible church can be perfect, no faults or sinners to mess things up. Sometimes when you look at the concrete church that actually exists you can’t help but see all the mess. Yet we can also take comfort in the fact that it has existed for 2000 years and no amount of sinning has managed to destroy it yet.

No matter how attractive the idea of an invisible church might be, the Scriptures and history are clear. The church is and has always been a concrete, existing, visible reality that one can find and adhere to. We tend to focus on dogma and correct teaching to know the true church, but today’s gospel gives us another way. St. John tells us that the way the disciples of Jesus can be found is by seeing the way we love each other. How are we dong on that? Would people know we are the disciples of Jesus and that they had found his church by looking at our love? It’s easy to point out how the Catholic Church is the church founded by Jesus, but would others be able to tell this apart from doctrine? Would they know we are Christians by our love?

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/04/homily-248-5th-sunday-of-easter/feed/0The Church VisibleThe Church Visible
I was once surprised to learn that many non-Catholics use the same creed that we do and actually profess to believe in "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church" just like we do. How can that be? For most of them, they understand the word "catholic" very generically and believe that this "universal" church is in fact more of an idea or even invisible. Today's first reading clearly shows us a church that exists concretely. St. Paul establishes actual communities with priests to lead them. When he goes to a town he calls together the church, clearly a tangible body. So why would someone want to belong to an invisible church?
Two things come to mind. First, an invisible church doesn't make any demands on us. We can stay exactly as we are and create our invisible church to suit all our weaknesses that we'd rather not change. An invisible church can be rather convenient if you're not looking to grow in holiness. Secondly, an invisible church can be perfect, no faults or sinners to mess things up. Sometimes when you look at the concrete church that actually exists you can't help but see all the mess. Yet we can also take comfort in the fact that it has existed for 2000 years and no amount of sinning has managed to destroy it yet.
No matter how attractive the idea of an invisible church might be, the Scriptures and history are clear. The church is and has always been a concrete, existing, visible reality that one can find and adhere to. We tend to focus on dogma and correct teaching to know the true church, but today's gospel gives us another way. St. John tells us that the way the disciples of Jesus can be found is by seeing the way we love each other. How are we dong on that? Would people know we are the disciples of Jesus and that they had found his church by looking at our love? It's easy to point out how the Catholic Church is the church founded by Jesus, but would others be able to tell this apart from doctrine? Would they know we are Christians by our love?Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno15:45Homily 247 – 4th Sunday of Easterhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/04/homily-247-4th-sunday-of-easter/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/04/homily-247-4th-sunday-of-easter/#commentsSun, 21 Apr 2013 16:10:00 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2047Faithful to Hope

It seems everyone wants to be successful, but when it comes to faith this can be a dangerous goal. You see, we always tend to measure success on the world’s terms. Do people like us? Are we getting ahead? Yet, in the Scriptures we see that sometimes the heroes are the ones that seem to be most defeated. The martyrs are killed, the apostles are put in prison and then killed and on and on. This sure looks like a lot of failures. Mother Theresa gives us the perfect answer to this problem. She tells us that God does not call us to be successful, but faithful. Faithfulness, no success, is our goal.

This is why we can have great joy even amid worldly failures. This world is not our goal. We live this life knowing that Christ has already won the victory and that if we follow him, our good shepherd, then nothing can take us out of God’s hand. God would never allow the slightest evil in the world if he were not able to bring about an infinitely greater good. The Father is greater. This leads to the virtue of hope. Even in our darkest moments, with all the pain and suffering that we’ve seen even just this week in Boston and other places, in the middle of all the apparent failures, we have joy and hope. In the end, we win. Therefore, let us not despair but remain faithful to hope.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/04/homily-247-4th-sunday-of-easter/feed/0Faithful to HopeFaithful to Hope
It seems everyone wants to be successful, but when it comes to faith this can be a dangerous goal. You see, we always tend to measure success on the world's terms. Do people like us? Are we getting ahead? Yet, in the Scriptures we see that sometimes the heroes are the ones that seem to be most defeated. The martyrs are killed, the apostles are put in prison and then killed and on and on. This sure looks like a lot of failures. Mother Theresa gives us the perfect answer to this problem. She tells us that God does not call us to be successful, but faithful. Faithfulness, no success, is our goal.
This is why we can have great joy even amid worldly failures. This world is not our goal. We live this life knowing that Christ has already won the victory and that if we follow him, our good shepherd, then nothing can take us out of God's hand. God would never allow the slightest evil in the world if he were not able to bring about an infinitely greater good. The Father is greater. This leads to the virtue of hope. Even in our darkest moments, with all the pain and suffering that we've seen even just this week in Boston and other places, in the middle of all the apparent failures, we have joy and hope. In the end, we win. Therefore, let us not despair but remain faithful to hope.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno9:13Homily 246 – Divine Mercy Sundayhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/04/homily-246-divine-mercy-sunday/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/04/homily-246-divine-mercy-sunday/#commentsSun, 07 Apr 2013 22:54:00 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2044Peace Is Flowing Like an Ocean

When Jesus reveals himself to the apostles after his resurrection the Scriptures tell us that his wounds were still visible. Why would a glorified body have wounds? The wounds of Jesus reveal how much he loves us, what he endured to save us. They are part of his perfect body because they perfectly reveal his mercy. Rather than condemn the apostles for their failure at the time of the passion, Jesus wishes them “Peace.” When God forgives our sins, what he is saying is that he loves us anyway. Even through our woundedness God is able to bring about great good. Our sins our swallowed up in the ocean of his Divine Mercy. Now that’s good cause for all of us to have peace.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/04/homily-246-divine-mercy-sunday/feed/0Peace Is Flowing Like an OceanPeace Is Flowing Like an Ocean
When Jesus reveals himself to the apostles after his resurrection the Scriptures tell us that his wounds were still visible. Why would a glorified body have wounds? The wounds of Jesus reveal how much he loves us, what he endured to save us. They are part of his perfect body because they perfectly reveal his mercy. Rather than condemn the apostles for their failure at the time of the passion, Jesus wishes them "Peace." When God forgives our sins, what he is saying is that he loves us anyway. Even through our woundedness God is able to bring about great good. Our sins our swallowed up in the ocean of his Divine Mercy. Now that's good cause for all of us to have peace.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno10:21Homily 245 – Easter Sundayhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/03/homily-245-easter-sunday/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/03/homily-245-easter-sunday/#commentsSun, 31 Mar 2013 16:02:43 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2036Faith: Love It, Learn It, Live It

In today’s Gospel, we read how Peter and John both saw the same evidence at the tomb. The tomb it empty. Yet faith was necessary to correctly interpret what really happened. One could conclude the body had been stolen, but you’d be wrong. Faith isn’t just some fringe nicety that we can do without. If we don’t have faith, we are doomed to misinterpret all kinds of things in life. In this Year of Faith, let us resolve today to take the new life given us at Easter and make it grow.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/03/homily-245-easter-sunday/feed/0Faith: Love It, Learn It, Live ItFaith: Love It, Learn It, Live It
In today's Gospel, we read how Peter and John both saw the same evidence at the tomb. The tomb it empty. Yet faith was necessary to correctly interpret what really happened. One could conclude the body had been stolen, but you'd be wrong. Faith isn't just some fringe nicety that we can do without. If we don't have faith, we are doomed to misinterpret all kinds of things in life. In this Year of Faith, let us resolve today to take the new life given us at Easter and make it grow.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno9:43Homily 244 – Palm Sundayhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/03/homily-244-palm-sunday/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/03/homily-244-palm-sunday/#commentsSun, 24 Mar 2013 18:30:52 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2034The Hour Has Come

After weeks of prayer and fasting through these forty days of Lent, the Gospel tells us today that “the hour” has come. It is time for the celebration of the most important events in our Christian lives. Yet these are not just historic remembrances. Through the mystery of the Sacred Liturgy this week, the Church throughout the world lives once again these special moments. May the renewal of the Holy Spirit be evident in this upcoming Holy Week.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/03/homily-244-palm-sunday/feed/0The Hour Has ComeThe Hour Has Come
After weeks of prayer and fasting through these forty days of Lent, the Gospel tells us today that "the hour" has come. It is time for the celebration of the most important events in our Christian lives. Yet these are not just historic remembrances. Through the mystery of the Sacred Liturgy this week, the Church throughout the world lives once again these special moments. May the renewal of the Holy Spirit be evident in this upcoming Holy Week.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno8:25Homily 243 – 5th Sunday of Lenthttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/03/homily-243-5th-sunday-of-lent/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/03/homily-243-5th-sunday-of-lent/#commentsSun, 17 Mar 2013 17:12:10 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2028Habemus Papam

This past week has been an amazing time of excitement and joy in the Holy Spirit as we rejoice at the gift of our new Holy Father, Pope Francis. Today’s homily relives some of my personal experience of this week and considers what the election of Pope Francis might mean for the future of the Church.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/03/homily-243-5th-sunday-of-lent/feed/0Habemus PapamHabemus Papam
This past week has been an amazing time of excitement and joy in the Holy Spirit as we rejoice at the gift of our new Holy Father, Pope Francis. Today's homily relives some of my personal experience of this week and considers what the election of Pope Francis might mean for the future of the Church.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno12:10Homily 242 – 4th Sunday of Lenthttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/03/homily-242-4th-sunday-of-lent/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/03/homily-242-4th-sunday-of-lent/#commentsSun, 10 Mar 2013 15:55:12 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2024Keys to the Conclave

Today’s homily gives an overview of the history of electing the Pope and the process that will be followed this week. If you have other questions not covered in the homily, feel free to post them below. Most of all, pray for the Cardinals and the coming of the Holy Spirit to help inspire the choice of our new Holy Father.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/03/homily-242-4th-sunday-of-lent/feed/1Keys to the ConclaveKeys to the Conclave
Today's homily gives an overview of the history of electing the Pope and the process that will be followed this week. If you have other questions not covered in the homily, feel free to post them below. Most of all, pray for the Cardinals and the coming of the Holy Spirit to help inspire the choice of our new Holy Father.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno17:45Homily 241 – 3rd Sunday of Lenthttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/03/homily-241-3rd-sunday-of-lent/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/03/homily-241-3rd-sunday-of-lent/#commentsSun, 03 Mar 2013 23:46:50 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2008Time to Bear Fruit

Today I am on the road in Longview, Texas giving a parish mission at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church. Msgr. Xavier Pappu and all the parishioners have been so welcoming. Last night I had dinner at an authentic Texas Roadhouse! (It seemed very similar to the Texas Roadhouses in Kansas, but this time I was in Texas). I officially kicked off the mission this weekend by preaching at all the masses. I’ll be here for the next two days and will be posting talks from the mission. If you are in the Longview area, tell people to come to the mission or send them to the website. Thanks for all those praying back home.

Today’s homily also provides my theme for the mission, “Time to Bear Fruit.” Maybe this Lent we need to spend some time cultivating the soul and spreading some fertilizer on our spiritual life. This is what the gardener in the gospel suggests. Yet, the gospel also comes with a warning…we don’t have infinite time. Moses also serves as our great example this weekend. We’ve got to pay attention and focus on God. Don’t wait for later. Now is the time to bear fruit.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/03/homily-241-3rd-sunday-of-lent/feed/0Time to Bear FruitTime to Bear Fruit
Today I am on the road in Longview, Texas giving a parish mission at St. Matthew's Catholic Church. Msgr. Xavier Pappu and all the parishioners have been so welcoming. Last night I had dinner at an authentic Texas Roadhouse! (It seemed very similar to the Texas Roadhouses in Kansas, but this time I was in Texas). I officially kicked off the mission this weekend by preaching at all the masses. I'll be here for the next two days and will be posting talks from the mission. If you are in the Longview area, tell people to come to the mission or send them to the website. Thanks for all those praying back home.
Today's homily also provides my theme for the mission, "Time to Bear Fruit." Maybe this Lent we need to spend some time cultivating the soul and spreading some fertilizer on our spiritual life. This is what the gardener in the gospel suggests. Yet, the gospel also comes with a warning...we don't have infinite time. Moses also serves as our great example this weekend. We've got to pay attention and focus on God. Don't wait for later. Now is the time to bear fruit.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno16:58Homily 240 – 2nd Sunday of Lenthttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/02/homily-240-2nd-sunday-of-lent/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/02/homily-240-2nd-sunday-of-lent/#commentsMon, 25 Feb 2013 01:30:13 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=2004Citizens of the Mountain

Paul reminds us in today’s second reading that “Our citizenship is in heaven.” To be a citizen means that you are at home, you are protected by the defenses of your city, you have certain rights. Especially in biblical times, citizenship meant the peace and security of a walled city. If “peace and security” are the best descriptors for your life right now, then we start to understand what St. Paul meant. This is not our home. Here we will never have the kind of permanent security that we would like. That’s because what we really want is heaven. Jesus gives the apostles a glimpse of this in today’s Gospel. Although we can’t have heaven permanently in this life, we are all called from time to time to go up the mountain, to pray, the talk with God, and there experience a little bit of what our true citizenship has to offer.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/02/homily-240-2nd-sunday-of-lent/feed/0Citizens of the MountainCitizens of the Mountain
Paul reminds us in today's second reading that "Our citizenship is in heaven." To be a citizen means that you are at home, you are protected by the defenses of your city, you have certain rights. Especially in biblical times, citizenship meant the peace and security of a walled city. If "peace and security" are the best descriptors for your life right now, then we start to understand what St. Paul meant. This is not our home. Here we will never have the kind of permanent security that we would like. That's because what we really want is heaven. Jesus gives the apostles a glimpse of this in today's Gospel. Although we can't have heaven permanently in this life, we are all called from time to time to go up the mountain, to pray, the talk with God, and there experience a little bit of what our true citizenship has to offer.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno9:45Homily 239 – 1st Sunday of Lenthttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/02/homily-239-1st-sunday-of-lent/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/02/homily-239-1st-sunday-of-lent/#commentsSun, 17 Feb 2013 23:37:36 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1999Hungry for God

After fasting for 40 days, Jesus was hungry. So says the inerrant Word of God in today’s Gospel. We tend to think that this fact is obvious because we tend to think of physical hunger. Maybe Jesus was hungry for something else. Aren’t we all hungry? We are constantly seeking to satisfy a multitude of desires. A lot of them are good, but we need to keep them in the right balance. Today’s homily explores how Jesus gives us the model for success in balancing our desires with what we really hunger for, namely, God.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/02/homily-239-1st-sunday-of-lent/feed/0Hungry for GodHungry for God
After fasting for 40 days, Jesus was hungry. So says the inerrant Word of God in today's Gospel. We tend to think that this fact is obvious because we tend to think of physical hunger. Maybe Jesus was hungry for something else. Aren't we all hungry? We are constantly seeking to satisfy a multitude of desires. A lot of them are good, but we need to keep them in the right balance. Today's homily explores how Jesus gives us the model for success in balancing our desires with what we really hunger for, namely, God.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno9:10Homily 238 – Ash Wednesdayhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/02/homily-238-ash-wednesday/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/02/homily-238-ash-wednesday/#commentsWed, 13 Feb 2013 14:00:10 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1997Memento Mori

Remember death. That phrase is very similar to the one we hear today as we receive ashes, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Why so much focus on death as we prepare for the great celebration of life at Easter? Today’s homily explores how sometimes having a deadline might just be the life-giving trick that we need.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/02/homily-238-ash-wednesday/feed/0Memento MoriMemento Mori
Remember death. That phrase is very similar to the one we hear today as we receive ashes, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." Why so much focus on death as we prepare for the great celebration of life at Easter? Today's homily explores how sometimes having a deadline might just be the life-giving trick that we need.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno5:39Homily 237 – 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Timehttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/01/homily-237-2nd-sunday-in-ordinary-time/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/01/homily-237-2nd-sunday-in-ordinary-time/#commentsSun, 20 Jan 2013 20:52:54 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1987Let’s Do Something

It has been said that all that is necessary for evil to prevail is for good people to do nothing. When we see injustice and evil we naturally want to do something about it. Certainly that is the case this week as we mark the 40th anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade supreme court decision. All this week there will be prayer and fasting, marching in Topeka and Washington. Generations from now when abortion is relegated to the shameful past along with the holocaust of WWII, we want to be able to say that we did something. Today’s homily explores something that we might do, starting at the real root of the problem.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/01/homily-237-2nd-sunday-in-ordinary-time/feed/2Let's Do Something - It has been said that all that is necessary for evil to prevail is for good people to do nothing. When we see injustice and evil we naturally want to do something about it. Certainly that is the case this week as we mark the 40th ...Let's Do Something
It has been said that all that is necessary for evil to prevail is for good people to do nothing. When we see injustice and evil we naturally want to do something about it. Certainly that is the case this week as we mark the 40th anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade supreme court decision. All this week there will be prayer and fasting, marching in Topeka and Washington. Generations from now when abortion is relegated to the shameful past along with the holocaust of WWII, we want to be able to say that we did something. Today's homily explores something that we might do, starting at the real root of the problem.
For the video mentioned in the homily click here.
For my previous homily on the Holy Family click here.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno12:41Homily 236 – Epiphanyhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/01/homily-236-epiphany/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/01/homily-236-epiphany/#commentsSun, 06 Jan 2013 20:30:21 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1973The Gift of the Magi

In today’s Gospel we read of the arrival of the Magi in Bethlehem. However, what always puzzles me is the arrival of the Magi before Herod who, along with “all Jerusalem,” seem oblivious to the birth of the Messiah. How is it that these non-Jews from far away can show up at ground zero for Jewish Messiah watching and catch everyone off guard? What about the star? What about the Scripture? Today’s homily looks at how the Magi got it right while Herod missed it. The example of the Magi is a great gift to make sure that we don’t end up missing Jesus too.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2013/01/homily-236-epiphany/feed/1The Gift of the MagiThe Gift of the Magi
In today's Gospel we read of the arrival of the Magi in Bethlehem. However, what always puzzles me is the arrival of the Magi before Herod who, along with "all Jerusalem," seem oblivious to the birth of the Messiah. How is it that these non-Jews from far away can show up at ground zero for Jewish Messiah watching and catch everyone off guard? What about the star? What about the Scripture? Today's homily looks at how the Magi got it right while Herod missed it. The example of the Magi is a great gift to make sure that we don't end up missing Jesus too.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno11:00Homily 235 – Holy Familyhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/12/homily-235-holy-family/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/12/homily-235-holy-family/#commentsSun, 30 Dec 2012 18:00:52 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1976Holy Families in Training

Isn’t it amazing to think that when God came into this world he couldn’t even take care of himself? He chose to come in need of a family to raise him. As we celebrate the feast of the Holy Family today, it’s important not to simply make this about honoring Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. As important as that it, there is a tendency to think, “Well aren’t they great, but my family could never be like that.” The good news is that you are not called to be “the” holy family; but you are called to be “a” holy family. Today’s homily explores some ways in which our families make us holy and how to grow together in holiness.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/12/homily-235-holy-family/feed/0Holy Families in TrainingHoly Families in Training
Isn't it amazing to think that when God came into this world he couldn't even take care of himself? He chose to come in need of a family to raise him. As we celebrate the feast of the Holy Family today, it's important not to simply make this about honoring Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. As important as that it, there is a tendency to think, "Well aren't they great, but my family could never be like that." The good news is that you are not called to be "the" holy family; but you are called to be "a" holy family. Today's homily explores some ways in which our families make us holy and how to grow together in holiness.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno12:50Homily 234 – Christmashttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/12/homily-234-christmas/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/12/homily-234-christmas/#commentsTue, 25 Dec 2012 15:24:17 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1970What Christmas is All About

One of the greatest TV moments in history occurs in the great classic, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” when Charlie Brown famously asks, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” Linus confidently steps forward with his trusty blanket and proceeds to give one of the most memorable readings ever from tonight’s Gospel of St. Luke. The story of the birth of Jesus. That’s what Christmas is all about.

Yet, the prophet Isaiah in our first reading also has an idea of what Christmas is all about. Living in a time of great darkness for the Jewish people, Isaiah prophesies the coming of the Messiah as a great light for his people. He gives him four famous titles: Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. Tonight’s homily looks at how each of these titles speak of not just a past Messiah, but our real need for a savior here and now. Our world needs the Messiah today more than ever…and he’s right here, Emmanuel, God with us. Good news indeed. In fact, that’s what Christmas is all about.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/12/homily-234-christmas/feed/0What Christmas is All AboutWhat Christmas is All About
One of the greatest TV moments in history occurs in the great classic, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" when Charlie Brown famously asks, "Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?" Linus confidently steps forward with his trusty blanket and proceeds to give one of the most memorable readings ever from tonight's Gospel of St. Luke. The story of the birth of Jesus. That's what Christmas is all about.
Yet, the prophet Isaiah in our first reading also has an idea of what Christmas is all about. Living in a time of great darkness for the Jewish people, Isaiah prophesies the coming of the Messiah as a great light for his people. He gives him four famous titles: Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. Tonight's homily looks at how each of these titles speak of not just a past Messiah, but our real need for a savior here and now. Our world needs the Messiah today more than ever...and he's right here, Emmanuel, God with us. Good news indeed. In fact, that's what Christmas is all about.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno14:19Homily 233 – 4th Sunday of Adventhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/12/homily-233-4th-sunday-of-advent/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/12/homily-233-4th-sunday-of-advent/#commentsSun, 23 Dec 2012 15:00:31 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1967O Adonai

Sometimes people will speak of the Old and New Testaments as if they were completely different stories. A false distinction is often made between the “God of the Old Testament” (who is apparently mean and distant) and the “God of the New Testament” (who is nice and approachable). However, today’s Gospel reading and the famous “O Antiphons” of Advent tell a different story. The little baby that is to be born in Bethlehem is none other than the great I AM who revealed himself to Moses on Mt. Sinai. The Jewish people called him “Lord” or, in their language, “Adonai.”

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/12/homily-233-4th-sunday-of-advent/feed/0O AdonaiO Adonai
Sometimes people will speak of the Old and New Testaments as if they were completely different stories. A false distinction is often made between the "God of the Old Testament" (who is apparently mean and distant) and the "God of the New Testament" (who is nice and approachable). However, today's Gospel reading and the famous "O Antiphons" of Advent tell a different story. The little baby that is to be born in Bethlehem is none other than the great I AM who revealed himself to Moses on Mt. Sinai. The Jewish people called him "Lord" or, in their language, "Adonai."Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno10:53Homily 232 – 3rd Sunday of Adventhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/12/homily-232-3rd-sunday-of-advent/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/12/homily-232-3rd-sunday-of-advent/#commentsSun, 16 Dec 2012 18:55:24 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1964Rejoice Always

In today’s 2nd Reading, St. Paul reminds us to “Rejoice Always!” At times in our life it might seem particularly hard to rejoice. In the wake of the terrible events that took place in Connecticut on Friday it might seem almost inappropriate to be told to “rejoice” this weekend. Yet we have to be careful not to confuse joy and happiness. St. Paul is not telling us to be happy in the face of evil, but rather to rejoice. Joy and peace are possible even in the darkest times. St. Paul certainly knew that in his own life. It is precisely when things seem most grim that we need to be reminded why we have cause to rejoice. Today’s homily attempts to bring St. Paul’s perspective to bear on what might seem like a present situation of gloom.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/12/homily-232-3rd-sunday-of-advent/feed/2Rejoice AlwaysRejoice Always
In today's 2nd Reading, St. Paul reminds us to "Rejoice Always!" At times in our life it might seem particularly hard to rejoice. In the wake of the terrible events that took place in Connecticut on Friday it might seem almost inappropriate to be told to "rejoice" this weekend. Yet we have to be careful not to confuse joy and happiness. St. Paul is not telling us to be happy in the face of evil, but rather to rejoice. Joy and peace are possible even in the darkest times. St. Paul certainly knew that in his own life. It is precisely when things seem most grim that we need to be reminded why we have cause to rejoice. Today's homily attempts to bring St. Paul's perspective to bear on what might seem like a present situation of gloom.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno12:27Homily 231 – 2nd Sunday of Adventhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/12/homily-231-2nd-sunday-of-advent/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/12/homily-231-2nd-sunday-of-advent/#commentsMon, 10 Dec 2012 01:00:58 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1962Practical Tips for Confession

In today’s reading we hear of John the Baptist and all the people that were going to him in the desert to repent. Why is it that when we sin, we seem to be afraid to make even the much easier journey to a Catholic church to go to confession? Today’s homily helps answer some important questions and alleviate unnecessary fear of confession. Penance services abound this week, so it’s a great time to come back to this beautiful sacrament.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/12/homily-231-2nd-sunday-of-advent/feed/0Practical Tips for ConfessionPractical Tips for Confession
In today's reading we hear of John the Baptist and all the people that were going to him in the desert to repent. Why is it that when we sin, we seem to be afraid to make even the much easier journey to a Catholic church to go to confession? Today's homily helps answer some important questions and alleviate unnecessary fear of confession. Penance services abound this week, so it's a great time to come back to this beautiful sacrament.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno23:09Homily 230 – 1st Sunday of Adventhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/12/homily-230-1st-sunday-of-advent/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/12/homily-230-1st-sunday-of-advent/#commentsSun, 02 Dec 2012 23:56:46 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1958Holy Shoot

We are all familiar with the great symbol of the Christmas tree and all that it means for this time of year. Yet, for our Jewish ancestors, the time of waiting for the Messiah was focused not only a tree, but on a stump and on a shoot that was to spout from that stump. The tree spoken of here is not a Christmas tree, but a family tree…the family tree of King David.

When the prophet Jeremiah in today’s first reading speaks of a “shoot” he is referring to the Messiah who would come from the family tree of David and would save the Jewish people. Jeremiah was writing at a time of great trouble for Jerusalem, where they were desperate for the coming of the Messiah. We too have many great struggles in life. The world appears broken and inadequate in so many ways and we know that we contribute to this with our sin. We too are in need of a savior. The good news is that we’ve got one. He has come and he is coming back.

This Advent, let’s not be afraid to acknowledge all the ways in which perhaps our life seems a bit like a lifeless stump. The good news of Advent is that it will not stay this way. A shoot shall sprout from the stump. The Messiah will return. Let our prayer be that of the early church…Marana Tha…Come Lord Jesus.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/12/homily-230-1st-sunday-of-advent/feed/0Holy Shoot - We are all familiar with the great symbol of the Christmas tree and all that it means for this time of year. Yet, for our Jewish ancestors, the time of waiting for the Messiah was focused not only a tree,Holy Shoot
We are all familiar with the great symbol of the Christmas tree and all that it means for this time of year. Yet, for our Jewish ancestors, the time of waiting for the Messiah was focused not only a tree, but on a stump and on a shoot that was to spout from that stump. The tree spoken of here is not a Christmas tree, but a family tree...the family tree of King David.
When the prophet Jeremiah in today's first reading speaks of a "shoot" he is referring to the Messiah who would come from the family tree of David and would save the Jewish people. Jeremiah was writing at a time of great trouble for Jerusalem, where they were desperate for the coming of the Messiah. We too have many great struggles in life. The world appears broken and inadequate in so many ways and we know that we contribute to this with our sin. We too are in need of a savior. The good news is that we've got one. He has come and he is coming back.
This Advent, let's not be afraid to acknowledge all the ways in which perhaps our life seems a bit like a lifeless stump. The good news of Advent is that it will not stay this way. A shoot shall sprout from the stump. The Messiah will return. Let our prayer be that of the early church...Marana Tha...Come Lord Jesus.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno11:09Homily 229 – Christ the Kinghttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/11/homily-229-christ-the-king/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/11/homily-229-christ-the-king/#commentsSun, 25 Nov 2012 19:51:10 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1946Viva Cristo Rey

What does it mean to say that Christ is King? Today’s homily discusses how the faithful in Mexico help us to answer this question. During the 1920’2 and 30’s a severe persecution of the Church was being carried out by those in power in the Mexican government. It was essentially made illegal to be Catholic and thousands of priests and faithful were rounded up, tortured, and killed. In self defense the faithful banded together in a resistance army composed of what came to be known as “Cristeros.” Their famous battle cry was “Viva Cristo Rey…Long Live Christ the King.”

One of the most well-known priests at this time was Fr. Miguel Pro. He is now Blessed Miguel Pro and is one step away from being canonized a saint. Today’s homily shares his dramatic story which culminated in his execution as a martyr for Christ. In the seconds before he died he was able to yell once more “Viva Cristo Rey.” On this Solemnity of Christ the King may all of us take up this battle cry and truly make Christ the King of our lives.

Blessed Miguel Pro, Pray for Us

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/11/homily-229-christ-the-king/feed/1Viva Christo ReyViva Cristo Rey
What does it mean to say that Christ is King? Today's homily discusses how the faithful in Mexico help us to answer this question. During the 1920'2 and 30's a severe persecution of the Church was being carried out by those in power in the Mexican government. It was essentially made illegal to be Catholic and thousands of priests and faithful were rounded up, tortured, and killed. In self defense the faithful banded together in a resistance army composed of what came to be known as "Cristeros." Their famous battle cry was "Viva Cristo Rey...Long Live Christ the King."
One of the most well-known priests at this time was Fr. Miguel Pro. He is now Blessed Miguel Pro and is one step away from being canonized a saint. Today's homily shares his dramatic story which culminated in his execution as a martyr for Christ. In the seconds before he died he was able to yell once more "Viva Cristo Rey." On this Solemnity of Christ the King may all of us take up this battle cry and truly make Christ the King of our lives.
Blessed Miguel Pro, Pray for UsFr. Shawn P. Tuninkno13:18Homily 228 – 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Timehttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/11/homily-228-33rd-sunday-in-ordinary-time/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/11/homily-228-33rd-sunday-in-ordinary-time/#commentsSun, 18 Nov 2012 16:55:38 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1943Four!

At Bishop Miege High School where I am the chaplain, the football players have the tradition at the end of the 3rd quarter of raising their hands showing four fingers and going up and down the sideline yelling “Four!” This is to remind everyone of the importance of the 4th quarter about to begin. This is the last quarter. The game will end soon. As we come to the end of our liturgical year, the Church does something similar by focusing our attention on the end of our lives and the “four last things.”

Death, Judgement, Heaven, and Hell…these four things are put before us today to remind us that life does not go on forever. In the end there are clear winners and losers…heaven or hell…those are the only options. Probably everyone would say they want to go to heaven and sadly some people today even question the existence of hell. The hell there is! Ultimately God will give us what we want. If we say with our lives that we want God then we will have God for all eternity and this we call heaven. If we say with our lives that we want our way and ourselves and not God, we will have just ourselves and not God for all eternity and this we call hell.

The kids at school are all caught up in whether the world might be about to end because of the so-called “Mayan calendar.” Jesus tells us plainly in the gospel today that no one knows the hour of the ending of the world, not even the Mayans. The Mayans are dead and the Church is alive. Yet, if the thought of the world ending soon scares us, then maybe that’s good.

We would do well to assume we’re living in the 4th quarter of life. If we’re behind in some way, there’s time to rally and catch up. If we’re winning in some areas, don’t give up now; press on to the finish. The Church at this time of year is reminding us that life does not go on forever. Remember death, judgement, heaven, and hell. It’s as if the Church is running up and down the sideline of our lives yelling “Four!” Let’s not be afraid. This is our quarter. Let’s go out and win!

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/11/homily-228-33rd-sunday-in-ordinary-time/feed/0Four!Four!
At Bishop Miege High School where I am the chaplain, the football players have the tradition at the end of the 3rd quarter of raising their hands showing four fingers and going up and down the sideline yelling "Four!" This is to remind everyone of the importance of the 4th quarter about to begin. This is the last quarter. The game will end soon. As we come to the end of our liturgical year, the Church does something similar by focusing our attention on the end of our lives and the "four last things."
Death, Judgement, Heaven, and Hell...these four things are put before us today to remind us that life does not go on forever. In the end there are clear winners and losers...heaven or hell...those are the only options. Probably everyone would say they want to go to heaven and sadly some people today even question the existence of hell. The hell there is! Ultimately God will give us what we want. If we say with our lives that we want God then we will have God for all eternity and this we call heaven. If we say with our lives that we want our way and ourselves and not God, we will have just ourselves and not God for all eternity and this we call hell.
The kids at school are all caught up in whether the world might be about to end because of the so-called "Mayan calendar." Jesus tells us plainly in the gospel today that no one knows the hour of the ending of the world, not even the Mayans. The Mayans are dead and the Church is alive. Yet, if the thought of the world ending soon scares us, then maybe that's good.
We would do well to assume we're living in the 4th quarter of life. If we're behind in some way, there's time to rally and catch up. If we're winning in some areas, don't give up now; press on to the finish. The Church at this time of year is reminding us that life does not go on forever. Remember death, judgement, heaven, and hell. It's as if the Church is running up and down the sideline of our lives yelling "Four!" Let's not be afraid. This is our quarter. Let's go out and win!Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno11:51Homily 227 – 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Timehttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/11/homily-227-32nd-sunday-in-ordinary-time/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/11/homily-227-32nd-sunday-in-ordinary-time/#commentsMon, 12 Nov 2012 01:00:02 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1932The Temple and the Mass

Today’s 2nd reading continues from the the Letter to the Hebrews. It was written by Christians to a Jewish audience attempting to explain how Jesus is the fulfillment of everything God had promised his chosen people throughout history. One of the most significant aspects of Jewish life at the time of Jesus was the presence of the Temple in Jerusalem. Today’s homily looks at the history and meaning of the Jewish Temple and the worship that went on there. The Temple provides an important key in understanding what happens at Mass today.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/11/homily-227-32nd-sunday-in-ordinary-time/feed/0The Temple and the MassThe Temple and the Mass
Today's 2nd reading continues from the the Letter to the Hebrews. It was written by Christians to a Jewish audience attempting to explain how Jesus is the fulfillment of everything God had promised his chosen people throughout history. One of the most significant aspects of Jewish life at the time of Jesus was the presence of the Temple in Jerusalem. Today's homily looks at the history and meaning of the Jewish Temple and the worship that went on there. The Temple provides an important key in understanding what happens at Mass today.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno13:41Homily 226 – Why All The Chanting?http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/10/homily-226-why-all-the-chanting/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/10/homily-226-why-all-the-chanting/#commentsMon, 29 Oct 2012 02:24:54 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1929Something Beautiful for God

This is the first in a series of homilies explaining various elements of the Mass and Catholic worship in honor of the 50th anniversary of the beginning of Vatican II. Today’s homily focuses on some aspects of the role of Sacred Music in the liturgy. It is also an answer to a question that comes up from time to time with regard to the role of the priest celebrant. I hope this homily is both informative and clears up some confusion.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/10/homily-226-why-all-the-chanting/feed/5Something Beautiful for GodSomething Beautiful for God
This is the first in a series of homilies explaining various elements of the Mass and Catholic worship in honor of the 50th anniversary of the beginning of Vatican II. Today's homily focuses on some aspects of the role of Sacred Music in the liturgy. It is also an answer to a question that comes up from time to time with regard to the role of the priest celebrant. I hope this homily is both informative and clears up some confusion.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno19:05Homily 225 – 28th Sunday in Ordinary Timehttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/10/homily-225-28th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/10/homily-225-28th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/#commentsMon, 15 Oct 2012 00:30:17 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1924Answer the Call

In today’s Gospel Jesus calls a young man to follow him. It is the greatest moment in his life, and yet we are told he goes away sad. His riches stand in the way of his answering the call. What stands in the way of us saying yes to God? Whatever it is, sell it, be free, and follow Jesus. God will not be outdone in generosity!

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/10/homily-225-28th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/feed/0Answer the CallAnswer the Call
In today's Gospel Jesus calls a young man to follow him. It is the greatest moment in his life, and yet we are told he goes away sad. His riches stand in the way of his answering the call. What stands in the way of us saying yes to God? Whatever it is, sell it, be free, and follow Jesus. God will not be outdone in generosity!Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno8:41Homily 224 – 27th Sunday in Ordinary Timehttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/10/homily-224-27th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/10/homily-224-27th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/#commentsSun, 07 Oct 2012 18:13:05 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1909From Worse to Better

As you survey the state of marriage in our society today, it would be easy to get discouraged. Yet we see in our gospel today that even at the time of Jesus they struggled with marriage. When Jesus explains what is required of married people, some of the apostles even question if maybe it would be better not to get married at all. Today’s homily speaks of some of the tough issues surrounding marriage today, including divorce, contraception, so-called “same sex marriage” and others. Things may look grim now, but a new springtime is taking root. If we follow Jesus’ words to return to God’s plan “from the beginning” then we will soon see our society, and marriage in particular, go from worse to better.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/10/homily-224-27th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/feed/0From Worse to BetterFrom Worse to Better
As you survey the state of marriage in our society today, it would be easy to get discouraged. Yet we see in our gospel today that even at the time of Jesus they struggled with marriage. When Jesus explains what is required of married people, some of the apostles even question if maybe it would be better not to get married at all. Today's homily speaks of some of the tough issues surrounding marriage today, including divorce, contraception, so-called "same sex marriage" and others. Things may look grim now, but a new springtime is taking root. If we follow Jesus' words to return to God's plan "from the beginning" then we will soon see our society, and marriage in particular, go from worse to better.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno14:45Homily 223 – 26th Sunday in Ordinary Timehttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/09/homily-223-26th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/09/homily-223-26th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/#commentsSun, 30 Sep 2012 16:38:19 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1903Prophet Training

You are a prophet! Maybe you didn’t know it, but in your baptism you were anointed “priest, prophet, and king.” Perhaps you’re wondering about just what a prophet is supposed to do. Today’s homily looks at the Old Testament for examples and especially St. John the Baptist. A prophet is someone who speaks for God, with their actions and words. What kind of prophet are you? What message are you sending by the words and actions of your life?

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/09/homily-223-26th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/feed/0Prophet TrainingProphet Training
You are a prophet! Maybe you didn't know it, but in your baptism you were anointed "priest, prophet, and king." Perhaps you're wondering about just what a prophet is supposed to do. Today's homily looks at the Old Testament for examples and especially St. John the Baptist. A prophet is someone who speaks for God, with their actions and words. What kind of prophet are you? What message are you sending by the words and actions of your life?Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno11:34Homily 222 – 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Timehttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/09/homily-222-23rd-sunday-in-ordinary-time/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/09/homily-222-23rd-sunday-in-ordinary-time/#commentsSun, 09 Sep 2012 17:00:38 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1900Be Opened

In today’s gospel, Jesus opens the ears of a deaf man. Maybe we think all of our senses are working just fine, but what about our spiritual senses? What about our ability to recognize someone in need? Today’s homily tells the amazing story of what God did with one simple scout who had this awareness. If we’re a little closed off to the needs of others, perhaps we need to ask God for healing, that we might hear him say to us “be opened.”

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/09/homily-222-23rd-sunday-in-ordinary-time/feed/0Be OpenedBe Opened
In today's gospel, Jesus opens the ears of a deaf man. Maybe we think all of our senses are working just fine, but what about our spiritual senses? What about our ability to recognize someone in need? Today's homily tells the amazing story of what God did with one simple scout who had this awareness. If we're a little closed off to the needs of others, perhaps we need to ask God for healing, that we might hear him say to us "be opened."Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno12:44Homily 221 – 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Timehttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/09/homily-221-22nd-sunday-in-ordinary-time/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/09/homily-221-22nd-sunday-in-ordinary-time/#commentsMon, 03 Sep 2012 00:00:07 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1895All That Jazz

When we’re growing up, no kid seems to like rules. I remember a similar experience learning to play the trumpet. My teacher wanted me to learn a bunch of scales. I just wanted to play songs. Our readings today also speak of rules, but especially having them in the right balance. It’s good to follow the rules, but we can’t become obsessed with the rules. No musician will perform scales for a concert.

In music, perhaps the best analogy to the kind of life God wants for us is found in Jazz. You’ve got to know the rules…the scales, the key, the changes, etc…but then you get to make it up. You improvise. May we all learn well the rules of life and then improvise with our unique lives as we give God glory with all that jazz.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/09/homily-221-22nd-sunday-in-ordinary-time/feed/0All That JazzAll That Jazz
When we're growing up, no kid seems to like rules. I remember a similar experience learning to play the trumpet. My teacher wanted me to learn a bunch of scales. I just wanted to play songs. Our readings today also speak of rules, but especially having them in the right balance. It's good to follow the rules, but we can't become obsessed with the rules. No musician will perform scales for a concert.
In music, perhaps the best analogy to the kind of life God wants for us is found in Jazz. You've got to know the rules...the scales, the key, the changes, etc...but then you get to make it up. You improvise. May we all learn well the rules of life and then improvise with our unique lives as we give God glory with all that jazz.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno10:56Homily 220 – 21st Sunday in Ordinary Timehttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/08/homily-220-21st-sunday-in-ordinary-time/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/08/homily-220-21st-sunday-in-ordinary-time/#commentsSun, 26 Aug 2012 21:15:28 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1888How Important is the Eucharist

We’ve spent the last several weeks learning about the Eucharist as we read St. John’s gospel. However, there comes a time when you have to make a decision to act. It’s not enough just to think about the Eucharist or understand it. Ultimately, our lives must answer the key question, “How important is the Eucharist?” Today’s homily looks at how three different priests answered this question.

St. Edmund Campion, Fr. Walter Ciszek, and Cardinal Francis Van Thuan

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/08/homily-220-21st-sunday-in-ordinary-time/feed/1How Important is the EucharistHow Important is the Eucharist
We've spent the last several weeks learning about the Eucharist as we read St. John's gospel. However, there comes a time when you have to make a decision to act. It's not enough just to think about the Eucharist or understand it. Ultimately, our lives must answer the key question, "How important is the Eucharist?" Today's homily looks at how three different priests answered this question.
St. Edmund Campion, Fr. Walter Ciszek, and Cardinal Francis Van ThuanFr. Shawn P. Tuninkno14:51Homily 219 – 20th Sunday in Ordinary Timehttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/08/homily-219-20th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/08/homily-219-20th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/#commentsSun, 19 Aug 2012 21:19:31 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1884Behold the Lamb of God

This weekend’s homily continues the theme of considering various aspects of the Eucharist as we reflect on St. John’s gospel. Today we learn about what is meant by the term “Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.” What sacrifice is this referring to? What does it mean that Jesus is the Lamb of God?

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/08/homily-219-20th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/feed/0Behold the Lamb of GodBehold the Lamb of God
This weekend's homily continues the theme of considering various aspects of the Eucharist as we reflect on St. John's gospel. Today we learn about what is meant by the term "Holy Sacrifice of the Mass." What sacrifice is this referring to? What does it mean that Jesus is the Lamb of God?Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno10:19Homily 218 – 19th Sunday in Ordinary Timehttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/08/homily-218-19th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/08/homily-218-19th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/#commentsSun, 12 Aug 2012 21:50:44 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1881Not As It Appears

We normally use our senses to understand our world and to identify what things are. However, things aren’t always as they appear. In in philosophy, we use two important terms to differentiate between what our senses can tell us about something and what that thing actually is. The properties that are perceptible to our senses we call “accidents.” This would include things like color, taste, smell, etc.. Beyond what something looks like, we call the property that actually makes something what it is “substance.”

The terms substance and accidents are philosophical terms that are important to our understanding of the Eucharist. We start with ordinary bread and wine. After the words of consecration the substance of the bread and wine is changed while the accidents remain. What still appears to be bread and wine has been completely changed into the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus. The Eucharist is God although it retains the accidental properties of bread and wine.

This transformation is so important and unique to the Eucharist that a new word was created to describe what happens at the consecration. “Transubstantiation” is the word used by the Church and simply means “a change in substance.” As we go forward to receive the Eucharist today, let us be mindful of this great mystery. Jesus says that whoever eats this bread will live forever. Indeed this “bread” is much more than what it appears to be.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/08/homily-218-19th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/feed/0Not As It AppearsNot As It Appears
We normally use our senses to understand our world and to identify what things are. However, things aren't always as they appear. In in philosophy, we use two important terms to differentiate between what our senses can tell us about something and what that thing actually is. The properties that are perceptible to our senses we call "accidents." This would include things like color, taste, smell, etc.. Beyond what something looks like, we call the property that actually makes something what it is "substance."
The terms substance and accidents are philosophical terms that are important to our understanding of the Eucharist. We start with ordinary bread and wine. After the words of consecration the substance of the bread and wine is changed while the accidents remain. What still appears to be bread and wine has been completely changed into the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus. The Eucharist is God although it retains the accidental properties of bread and wine.
This transformation is so important and unique to the Eucharist that a new word was created to describe what happens at the consecration. "Transubstantiation" is the word used by the Church and simply means "a change in substance." As we go forward to receive the Eucharist today, let us be mindful of this great mystery. Jesus says that whoever eats this bread will live forever. Indeed this "bread" is much more than what it appears to be.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno8:33Homily 217 – 18th Sunday in Ordinary Timehttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/08/homily-217-18th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/08/homily-217-18th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/#commentsSun, 05 Aug 2012 18:00:53 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1879Athletes of Christ

I always enjoy watching the Olympics. There are so many sports that I would never watch if it weren’t for the Olympics. I was watching diving the other day and marveled at all the complicated moves they are able to do. All of the athletes are so inspiring. We marvel at the “finished product” we see on TV, but I especially enjoying hearing the stories of all the hard work it took to get there. The training routines and years of discipline are truly inspiring. Why do they do it? …to win a gold medal of course.

St. Paul reminds us that we are competing for a much bigger prize in the competition we call life; we want to win the prize of heaven. If heaven is our goal, why would we expect that getting there would be any less difficult than winning a gold medal? The Christian life requires training and discipline. The early church gave each newly baptized Christian a new title, “Athlete of Christ.” It’s not easy to be a Christian. No one hands you a gold medal simply for showing up.

The lighting of the famous Olympic flame marks the beginning of competition at the Olympics. In our baptism we too are given a flame to mark the beginning of our race in life. The priest passes the torch as it were from the Paschal Candle to the baptismal candle and onto the parents and godparents. As he does so he says to the newly baptized, “Receive the light of Christ.” He might just as well be saying, “Let the games begin.”

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/08/homily-217-18th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/feed/0Athletes of ChristAthletes of Christ
I always enjoy watching the Olympics. There are so many sports that I would never watch if it weren't for the Olympics. I was watching diving the other day and marveled at all the complicated moves they are able to do. All of the athletes are so inspiring. We marvel at the "finished product" we see on TV, but I especially enjoying hearing the stories of all the hard work it took to get there. The training routines and years of discipline are truly inspiring. Why do they do it? ...to win a gold medal of course.
St. Paul reminds us that we are competing for a much bigger prize in the competition we call life; we want to win the prize of heaven. If heaven is our goal, why would we expect that getting there would be any less difficult than winning a gold medal? The Christian life requires training and discipline. The early church gave each newly baptized Christian a new title, "Athlete of Christ." It's not easy to be a Christian. No one hands you a gold medal simply for showing up.
The lighting of the famous Olympic flame marks the beginning of competition at the Olympics. In our baptism we too are given a flame to mark the beginning of our race in life. The priest passes the torch as it were from the Paschal Candle to the baptismal candle and onto the parents and godparents. As he does so he says to the newly baptized, "Receive the light of Christ." He might just as well be saying, "Let the games begin."Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno10:22Homily 216 – Natural Family Planning Awareness Weekhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/07/homily-216-natural-family-planning-awareness-week/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/07/homily-216-natural-family-planning-awareness-week/#commentsMon, 23 Jul 2012 00:00:21 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1875New Life for Your Marriage

This week is Natural Family Planning Awareness Week. If you are now asking yourself, “What is Natural Family Planning?” then you see the need for the week. Today’s homily considers the joy and sacrifices of married love and the great gift of family. For those unfamiliar with NFP, it will also hopefully be an introduction to something that is not only free and over 99% effective, but could also radically change your marriage and your relationship with God. Perhaps it is enough simply to say that if you follow society’s wisdom you have an over 50% chance of getting divorced. If you follow God’s plan through NFP, you have less than a 5% chance of getting divorced. Those are good odds that will hopefully make you want to become more “aware” of NFP this week if you’re not already.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/07/homily-216-natural-family-planning-awareness-week/feed/3New Life for Your MarriageNew Life for Your Marriage
This week is Natural Family Planning Awareness Week. If you are now asking yourself, "What is Natural Family Planning?" then you see the need for the week. Today's homily considers the joy and sacrifices of married love and the great gift of family. For those unfamiliar with NFP, it will also hopefully be an introduction to something that is not only free and over 99% effective, but could also radically change your marriage and your relationship with God. Perhaps it is enough simply to say that if you follow society's wisdom you have an over 50% chance of getting divorced. If you follow God's plan through NFP, you have less than a 5% chance of getting divorced. Those are good odds that will hopefully make you want to become more "aware" of NFP this week if you're not already.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno18:27Homily 215 – 15th Sunday in Ordinary Timehttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/07/homily-215-15th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/07/homily-215-15th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/#commentsSun, 15 Jul 2012 19:25:54 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1871Go

After observing Jesus and learning from him, today it’s time for the apostles to “go.” The word “apostle” literally means, “one who is sent” so it makes sense. However, Jesus also asks them to take nothing with them so as to build their trust in God. They are supposed to take a walking stick and sandals. This is a good image for the Church. We are a people on the go; we have a mission and we’re not meant to stay still. At the end of every Mass, the deacon or priest tells us all to “go.” The word “Mass” actually comes form the Latin word meaning “to be sent.” There’s a lot of going and sending implied in Mass. Today’s a great day to make sure we know our mission and then to get going.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/07/homily-215-15th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/feed/0GoGo
After observing Jesus and learning from him, today it's time for the apostles to "go." The word "apostle" literally means, "one who is sent" so it makes sense. However, Jesus also asks them to take nothing with them so as to build their trust in God. They are supposed to take a walking stick and sandals. This is a good image for the Church. We are a people on the go; we have a mission and we're not meant to stay still. At the end of every Mass, the deacon or priest tells us all to "go." The word "Mass" actually comes form the Latin word meaning "to be sent." There's a lot of going and sending implied in Mass. Today's a great day to make sure we know our mission and then to get going.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno9:06Homily 214 – 14th Sunday in Ordinary Timehttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/07/homily-214-14th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/07/homily-214-14th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/#commentsMon, 09 Jul 2012 03:02:58 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1868The Problem with Prophets

Most people tend to think of prophets as people who foretell the future. The biblical notion of a prophet is much different. A prophet is someone who speaks on behalf of God. Sometimes their messages are about the future, but most of the time they are concerned with talking to people about the present moment. The Old Testament is filled with stories of prophets. One thing they all seem to have in common is that it often doesn’t go very well for the prophets. They all end up ridiculed or dead.

The problem with prophets is that God doesn’t normally send them when everything is going well. Normally, a prophet is sent to say that God is not happy or that we need to change somehow. Not surprisingly, we tend to shoot the messenger. It’s a tough job to be a prophet. The interesting thing about the Christian life is that not only are we called to listen to the prophets that God sends us even today, but we are also called to be prophets. By virtue of our baptism, each of us is a prophet. That means we are to speak about God and bear witness to him by our words and actions, just like the prophets of old.

So how are we doing? What message does your life send? What kind of prophet for God are you?

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/07/homily-214-14th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/feed/0The Problem with ProphetsThe Problem with Prophets
Most people tend to think of prophets as people who foretell the future. The biblical notion of a prophet is much different. A prophet is someone who speaks on behalf of God. Sometimes their messages are about the future, but most of the time they are concerned with talking to people about the present moment. The Old Testament is filled with stories of prophets. One thing they all seem to have in common is that it often doesn't go very well for the prophets. They all end up ridiculed or dead.
The problem with prophets is that God doesn't normally send them when everything is going well. Normally, a prophet is sent to say that God is not happy or that we need to change somehow. Not surprisingly, we tend to shoot the messenger. It's a tough job to be a prophet. The interesting thing about the Christian life is that not only are we called to listen to the prophets that God sends us even today, but we are also called to be prophets. By virtue of our baptism, each of us is a prophet. That means we are to speak about God and bear witness to him by our words and actions, just like the prophets of old.
So how are we doing? What message does your life send? What kind of prophet for God are you?Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno10:27Homily 213 – Holy Trinityhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/06/homily-213-holy-trinity/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/06/homily-213-holy-trinity/#commentsSun, 03 Jun 2012 19:10:30 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1665Our God Is a Family

God is love. We hear that a lot, but somehow it seems like we need more than just that line. Augustine famously described the love of God as a communion of love that necessarily had to involve more than one person. Lover, beloved, and love are the titles he used. This can help us understand a bit more about the Trinity.

Blessed Pope John Paul II took the understanding of Augustine regarding the Trinity and applied especially to the family. Our God is not a solitary God, but rather a family of persons. We on earth are called to image this love in our families. This is why the Church takes marriage so seriously. Our families are a most precious gift by which can come to know a little bit more about the love of God, even if we do it imperfectly here due to sin. May God bless all families in the mission to be a reflection of the love of the Trinity.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/06/homily-213-holy-trinity/feed/0Our God Is a Family - God is love. We hear that a lot, but somehow it seems like we need more than just that line. Augustine famously described the love of God as a communion of love that necessarily had to involve more than one person. Lover, beloved,Our God Is a Family
God is love. We hear that a lot, but somehow it seems like we need more than just that line. Augustine famously described the love of God as a communion of love that necessarily had to involve more than one person. Lover, beloved, and love are the titles he used. This can help us understand a bit more about the Trinity.
Blessed Pope John Paul II took the understanding of Augustine regarding the Trinity and applied especially to the family. Our God is not a solitary God, but rather a family of persons. We on earth are called to image this love in our families. This is why the Church takes marriage so seriously. Our families are a most precious gift by which can come to know a little bit more about the love of God, even if we do it imperfectly here due to sin. May God bless all families in the mission to be a reflection of the love of the Trinity.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno11:07Homily 212 – Pentecosthttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/05/homily-212-pentecost/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/05/homily-212-pentecost/#commentsSun, 27 May 2012 15:00:10 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1486What Drives You?

In today’s first reading, the Holy Spirit is described as a “strong driving wind.” We’re all familiar here in Kansas with just how powerful the wind can be. It can literally push you…or your house…over. On Pentecost, the Scripture tells us that the Holy Spirit was a force like this. If we look at our lives, what drives us? Is it the Holy Spirit? Perhaps we’re driven by a lot of the things that St. Paul mentions in our second reading…immorality, lust and the like.

The Holy Spirit is also described as being fire. Fire can be destructive but also purifying. If we are driven more by the spirit of the world than the Holy Spirit, then maybe we could use a little purification from the Spirit. Renewing the face of the earth is a big task, but it starts on person at a time. Don’t be afraid to unlock the doors and let the Holy Spirit start driving.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/05/homily-212-pentecost/feed/1What Drives You?What Drives You?
In today's first reading, the Holy Spirit is described as a "strong driving wind." We're all familiar here in Kansas with just how powerful the wind can be. It can literally push you...or your house...over. On Pentecost, the Scripture tells us that the Holy Spirit was a force like this. If we look at our lives, what drives us? Is it the Holy Spirit? Perhaps we're driven by a lot of the things that St. Paul mentions in our second reading...immorality, lust and the like.
The Holy Spirit is also described as being fire. Fire can be destructive but also purifying. If we are driven more by the spirit of the world than the Holy Spirit, then maybe we could use a little purification from the Spirit. Renewing the face of the earth is a big task, but it starts on person at a time. Don't be afraid to unlock the doors and let the Holy Spirit start driving.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno13:37Homily 211 – Ascension of the Lordhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/05/homily-211-ascension-of-the-lord/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/05/homily-211-ascension-of-the-lord/#commentsSun, 20 May 2012 17:58:42 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1483Heavenly Help for a Universal Mission

When Jesus ascended to heaven, he did not abandon his apostles. Rather he becomes present in a new and even more powerful way. The divine assistance he gives from heaven will be all the more necessary considering the mission he has given them. He tells them to go to the ends of the earth preaching the Gospel. Their mission is the make the Church “universal” or, in the Greek, Catholic. Today the Church does exist even to the ends of the world. We must carry out this same mission. The good news is that we are not alone. Jesus is with us as well.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/05/homily-211-ascension-of-the-lord/feed/0Heavenly Help for a Universal MissionHeavenly Help for a Universal Mission
When Jesus ascended to heaven, he did not abandon his apostles. Rather he becomes present in a new and even more powerful way. The divine assistance he gives from heaven will be all the more necessary considering the mission he has given them. He tells them to go to the ends of the earth preaching the Gospel. Their mission is the make the Church "universal" or, in the Greek, Catholic. Today the Church does exist even to the ends of the world. We must carry out this same mission. The good news is that we are not alone. Jesus is with us as well.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno10:04Homily 210 – 6th Sunday of Easterhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/05/homily-210-6th-sunday-of-easter/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/05/homily-210-6th-sunday-of-easter/#commentsSun, 13 May 2012 18:00:46 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1479All You Need Is Love

In 1967, the theologians Lennon and McCartney pronounced their famous dogma, “All you need is love.” It sounds so simple and peaceful. Yet, as another later theologian (and Eurodance phenom) Haddaway asked in 1993, “What is love?” We use the word love to refer to a lot of different things. I “love” everything from my dog, to pizza, to my spouse, to God. Using the same word to refer to such different things has indeed created confusion.

Fortunately, in the original languages of the Bible, there is actually more than just one word to talk about all these different kinds of “love.” Today’s homily focuses on 3 of those words from the original Greek of the Bible: eros, philos, and agape. If you understand the distinctions between these three, then maybe Lennon and McCartney were right.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/05/homily-210-6th-sunday-of-easter/feed/1All You Need Is LoveAll You Need Is Love
In 1967, the theologians Lennon and McCartney pronounced their famous dogma, "All you need is love." It sounds so simple and peaceful. Yet, as another later theologian (and Eurodance phenom) Haddaway asked in 1993, "What is love?" We use the word love to refer to a lot of different things. I "love" everything from my dog, to pizza, to my spouse, to God. Using the same word to refer to such different things has indeed created confusion.
Fortunately, in the original languages of the Bible, there is actually more than just one word to talk about all these different kinds of "love." Today's homily focuses on 3 of those words from the original Greek of the Bible: eros, philos, and agape. If you understand the distinctions between these three, then maybe Lennon and McCartney were right.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno14:36Homily 209 – Bishop Miege Baccalaureatehttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/05/homily-209-bishop-miege-baccalaureate/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/05/homily-209-bishop-miege-baccalaureate/#commentsSat, 12 May 2012 18:00:06 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1477What You Need To Know

To the Bishop Miege High School class of 2012. Congratulations on your achievements. Having finished your finals and passed all your classes, it is clear that you know a lot about a lot of things. However, as you leave Bishop Miege, here are just three more things that I hope you will know.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/05/homily-209-bishop-miege-baccalaureate/feed/0What You Need To KnowWhat You Need To Know
To the Bishop Miege High School class of 2012. Congratulations on your achievements. Having finished your finals and passed all your classes, it is clear that you know a lot about a lot of things. However, as you leave Bishop Miege, here are just three more things that I hope you will know.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno14:27Homily 208 – 5th Sunday of Easterhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/05/homily-208-5th-sunday-of-easter/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/05/homily-208-5th-sunday-of-easter/#commentsSun, 06 May 2012 18:15:04 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1472Staying Connected

Jesus tells us today that our mission is to go and bear fruit, much fruit. Yet, in order to achieve this mission he reminds us that we have got to stay connected to him, as branches on a vine. Notice that remaining connected to Jesus, the vine, also means that we must stay connected to all the other branches. We need all those branches. To be united in Jesus is to become a family. This is what we see in the Acts of the Apostles and this is what we are called to be today. It’s more challenging with a couple billion of us, but we are truly all brothers and sisters, united in our connection to Jesus.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/05/homily-208-5th-sunday-of-easter/feed/0Staying ConnectedStaying Connected
Jesus tells us today that our mission is to go and bear fruit, much fruit. Yet, in order to achieve this mission he reminds us that we have got to stay connected to him, as branches on a vine. Notice that remaining connected to Jesus, the vine, also means that we must stay connected to all the other branches. We need all those branches. To be united in Jesus is to become a family. This is what we see in the Acts of the Apostles and this is what we are called to be today. It's more challenging with a couple billion of us, but we are truly all brothers and sisters, united in our connection to Jesus.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno4:07Homily 207 – 4th Sunday of Easterhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/04/homily-207-4th-sunday-of-easter/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/04/homily-207-4th-sunday-of-easter/#commentsSun, 29 Apr 2012 15:00:00 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1461Be Like Binkles

Today we hear the beautiful story of the Good Shepherd. We probably don’t think much about it, but this means that Jesus is calling us sheep. What kind of sheep do we think we are? We normally picture sheep as being cute and fuzzy, like Binkles my little stuffed sheep. Today’s homily reveals the true story…the dark side if you will…of sheep. On this World Day of Prayer for Vocations let us give thanks for our shepherds. Let’s be the kind of sheep we normally picture in our minds. Let’s all do our best to “Be Like Binkles.”

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/04/homily-207-4th-sunday-of-easter/feed/1Be Like BinklesBe Like Binkles
Today we hear the beautiful story of the Good Shepherd. We probably don't think much about it, but this means that Jesus is calling us sheep. What kind of sheep do we think we are? We normally picture sheep as being cute and fuzzy, like Binkles my little stuffed sheep. Today's homily reveals the true story...the dark side if you will...of sheep. On this World Day of Prayer for Vocations let us give thanks for our shepherds. Let's be the kind of sheep we normally picture in our minds. Let's all do our best to "Be Like Binkles."Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno11:24Homily 206 – 3rd Sunday of Easterhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/04/homily-206-3rd-sunday-of-easter/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/04/homily-206-3rd-sunday-of-easter/#commentsSun, 22 Apr 2012 23:00:32 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1458Called to Witness

The following homily was given at the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center at the University of Kansas

What a contrast we see between Peter and the apostles before Pentecost and then the radical change afterward. They get such courage from the Holy Spirit. They are a great example for how each of us is called to give our testimony about Jesus. Peter boldly proclaims, “We are witnesses.” The Greek word here is martyroi…”martyrs” in English. We shouldn’t expect it to be easy to preach the good news about Jesus. Yet, if we really know what good news it is, then nothing should hold us back. We too are called to be His witnesses.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/04/homily-206-3rd-sunday-of-easter/feed/1Called to WitnessCalled to Witness
The following homily was given at the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center at the University of Kansas
What a contrast we see between Peter and the apostles before Pentecost and then the radical change afterward. They get such courage from the Holy Spirit. They are a great example for how each of us is called to give our testimony about Jesus. Peter boldly proclaims, "We are witnesses." The Greek word here is martyroi..."martyrs" in English. We shouldn't expect it to be easy to preach the good news about Jesus. Yet, if we really know what good news it is, then nothing should hold us back. We too are called to be His witnesses.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno12:43Homily 205 – Easter Sundayhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/04/homily-205-easter-sunday/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/04/homily-205-easter-sunday/#commentsSun, 08 Apr 2012 15:58:34 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1456You Are The Evidence

“He saw and believed,” is says of St. John in today’s Gospel. What did he see that caused him to believe that Jesus was raised from the dead? What evidence is there for the resurrection? If you go to Jerusalem you can see the same thing that John saw on that first Easter…an empty tomb. Something about the empty tomb touched the faith of St. John that allowed him to believe. Why do we believe? What evidence do we have? Probably many of us can describe an experience when we have in fact encountered Jesus. Our challenge this Easter is to go share the good news. Other people need to know about Jesus. We are called to be witnesses; we are called to be living evidence of the resurrection.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/04/homily-205-easter-sunday/feed/0You Are The EvidenceYou Are The Evidence
"He saw and believed," is says of St. John in today's Gospel. What did he see that caused him to believe that Jesus was raised from the dead? What evidence is there for the resurrection? If you go to Jerusalem you can see the same thing that John saw on that first Easter...an empty tomb. Something about the empty tomb touched the faith of St. John that allowed him to believe. Why do we believe? What evidence do we have? Probably many of us can describe an experience when we have in fact encountered Jesus. Our challenge this Easter is to go share the good news. Other people need to know about Jesus. We are called to be witnesses; we are called to be living evidence of the resurrection.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno11:59Homily 204 – Good Fridayhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/04/homily-204-good-friday/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/04/homily-204-good-friday/#commentsSat, 07 Apr 2012 02:24:58 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1453Making This Day Good

This day marks the most tragic event in the history of the world. God loved us so much that he came in person to show us his love…and we killed him. Yet, as Jesus hung dying on the cross he prayed, “Father, forgive them. They know not what they do.” If we realize today how much we need God’s mercy and are willing to change our lives to put God first, then we will have something to celebrate tomorrow night. If we are willing to ask for forgiveness then we can even dare to call this darkest of days…good.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/04/homily-204-good-friday/feed/0Making This Day GoodMaking This Day Good
This day marks the most tragic event in the history of the world. God loved us so much that he came in person to show us his love...and we killed him. Yet, as Jesus hung dying on the cross he prayed, "Father, forgive them. They know not what they do." If we realize today how much we need God's mercy and are willing to change our lives to put God first, then we will have something to celebrate tomorrow night. If we are willing to ask for forgiveness then we can even dare to call this darkest of days...good.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno9:56Homily 203 – Holy Thursdayhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/04/homily-203-holy-thursday/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/04/homily-203-holy-thursday/#commentsFri, 06 Apr 2012 03:00:41 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1450The Night of That Last Supper

This evening we sing an ancient hymn composed by St. Thomas Aquinas for the Mass of Corpus Christi in the 13th century. While most people will probably never read much of the volumes of theology he wrote, almost everyone is familiar with the words of his famous chant, Pange Lingua. We use the last two verses which begin with the wordsTantum Ergo in the liturgy of Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Tonight this chant serves to accompany the procession at the end of Mass whereby we spiritually follow Jesus as he leaves the upper room and goes to the Garden of Gethsemane. Tonight we sing of his glorious body and receive that same body through the gift of the Eucharist. Tonight we are Jesus’ “chosen band.”

Sing, my tongue, the Savior’s glory,of His flesh the mystery sing;of the Blood, all price exceeding,shed by our immortal King,destined, for the world’s redemption,from a noble womb to spring.

Of a pure and spotless Virginborn for us on earth below,He, as Man, with man conversing,stayed, the seeds of truth to sow;then He closed in solemn orderwondrously His life of woe.

On the night of that Last Supper,seated with His chosen band,He the Pascal victim eating,first fulfills the Law’s command;then as Food to His Apostlesgives Himself with His own hand.

Word-made-Flesh, the bread of natureby His word to Flesh He turns;wine into His Blood He changes;what though sense no change discerns?Only be the heart in earnest,faith her lesson quickly learns.

Down in adoration falling,This great Sacrament we hail,Over ancient forms of worshipNewer rites of grace prevail;Faith will tell us Christ is present,When our human senses fail.

To the everlasting Father,And the Son who made us freeAnd the Spirit, God proceedingFrom them Each eternally,Be salvation, honor, blessing,Might and endless majesty.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/04/homily-203-holy-thursday/feed/0The Night of That Last SupperThe Night of That Last Supper
This evening we sing an ancient hymn composed by St. Thomas Aquinas for the Mass of Corpus Christi in the 13th century. While most people will probably never read much of the volumes of theology he wrote, almost everyone is familiar with the words of his famous chant, Pange Lingua. We use the last two verses which begin with the wordsTantum Ergo in the liturgy of Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Tonight this chant serves to accompany the procession at the end of Mass whereby we spiritually follow Jesus as he leaves the upper room and goes to the Garden of Gethsemane. Tonight we sing of his glorious body and receive that same body through the gift of the Eucharist. Tonight we are Jesus’ “chosen band.”
Sing, my tongue, the Savior’s glory,
of His flesh the mystery sing;
of the Blood, all price exceeding,
shed by our immortal King,
destined, for the world’s redemption,
from a noble womb to spring.
Of a pure and spotless Virgin
born for us on earth below,
He, as Man, with man conversing,
stayed, the seeds of truth to sow;
then He closed in solemn order
wondrously His life of woe.
On the night of that Last Supper,
seated with His chosen band,
He the Pascal victim eating,
first fulfills the Law’s command;
then as Food to His Apostles
gives Himself with His own hand.
Word-made-Flesh, the bread of nature
by His word to Flesh He turns;
wine into His Blood He changes;
what though sense no change discerns?
Only be the heart in earnest,
faith her lesson quickly learns.
Down in adoration falling,
This great Sacrament we hail,
Over ancient forms of worship
Newer rites of grace prevail;
Faith will tell us Christ is present,
When our human senses fail.
To the everlasting Father,
And the Son who made us free
And the Spirit, God proceeding
From them Each eternally,
Be salvation, honor, blessing,
Might and endless majesty.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno16:06Homily 202 – Palm Sundayhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/04/homily-202-palm-sunday/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/04/homily-202-palm-sunday/#commentsSun, 01 Apr 2012 18:30:57 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1448A Week We Call Holy

How quickly on this Palm Sunday the cries of the crowd change from “Hosanna” to “Crucify Him.” It is a reminder to all of us that our faith can be very weak at times. All seems well in a moment of triumph, but then a moment of weakness finds us abandoning God. We need to strengthen our faith, to “keep watch and pray.” This week has been given to us as just such a time. This week we recall the greatest mysteries at the center of our Christian faith. It is a week to be set apart gaining spiritual strength and love. A week we simply call “holy.”

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/04/homily-202-palm-sunday/feed/0A Week We Call HolyA Week We Call Holy
How quickly on this Palm Sunday the cries of the crowd change from "Hosanna" to "Crucify Him." It is a reminder to all of us that our faith can be very weak at times. All seems well in a moment of triumph, but then a moment of weakness finds us abandoning God. We need to strengthen our faith, to "keep watch and pray." This week has been given to us as just such a time. This week we recall the greatest mysteries at the center of our Christian faith. It is a week to be set apart gaining spiritual strength and love. A week we simply call "holy."Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno6:55Homily 201 – 5th Sunday of Lent Year Bhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/03/homily-201-5th-sunday-of-lent-year-b/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/03/homily-201-5th-sunday-of-lent-year-b/#commentsSun, 25 Mar 2012 18:00:00 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1445Be Open To Something New

In the first reading today, the prophet Jeremiah foretells that soon God will do something new. He will make a “new covenant” with his people. If we really want to grow in holiness, we have to be open to God working in new ways in our life. This may mean getting out of our comfort zone and trying something new. Ultimately God wants everything from us, our entire life. Yet, he does not ask for it all at once. He gives us little opportunities to say yes to him everyday. If we give God just a little to start with, like a small grain of wheat, God will allow us to bear fruit abundantly.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/03/homily-201-5th-sunday-of-lent-year-b/feed/0Be Open To Something NewBe Open To Something New
In the first reading today, the prophet Jeremiah foretells that soon God will do something new. He will make a "new covenant" with his people. If we really want to grow in holiness, we have to be open to God working in new ways in our life. This may mean getting out of our comfort zone and trying something new. Ultimately God wants everything from us, our entire life. Yet, he does not ask for it all at once. He gives us little opportunities to say yes to him everyday. If we give God just a little to start with, like a small grain of wheat, God will allow us to bear fruit abundantly.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno13:38Homily 200 – 5th Sunday of Lent Year A 3rd Scrutinyhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/03/homily-200-5th-sunday-of-lent-year-a-3rd-scrutiny/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/03/homily-200-5th-sunday-of-lent-year-a-3rd-scrutiny/#commentsSun, 25 Mar 2012 15:00:53 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1443Allow For The Unexpected

By the end of Jesus’ public ministry, perhaps people had gotten used to the way he worked, even in his miracles. If someone was sick, or lame, or blind, you bring them to Jesus and he will heal them. As miraculous as that sounds, it had become somewhat commonplace with Jesus. Perhaps that is why in today’s Gospel Jesus does something so unexpected. He wants to stretch his disciples and show them that he is victorious not just over sickness and suffering, but over death itself.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/03/homily-200-5th-sunday-of-lent-year-a-3rd-scrutiny/feed/0Allow For The UnexpectedAllow For The Unexpected
By the end of Jesus' public ministry, perhaps people had gotten used to the way he worked, even in his miracles. If someone was sick, or lame, or blind, you bring them to Jesus and he will heal them. As miraculous as that sounds, it had become somewhat commonplace with Jesus. Perhaps that is why in today's Gospel Jesus does something so unexpected. He wants to stretch his disciples and show them that he is victorious not just over sickness and suffering, but over death itself.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno12:53Homily 199 – 4th Sunday of Lent Year Bhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/03/homily-199-4th-sunday-of-lent-year-b/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/03/homily-199-4th-sunday-of-lent-year-b/#commentsSun, 18 Mar 2012 20:04:03 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1440The Banner of Victory

Perhaps it seems strange that we as Christians would use the cross with such pride, that we carry it as a banner of victory. On the cross Jesus looks like he’s been through war and looks defeated. Yet we know this is not the end of the story. Jesus indeed fought and died for the price of our freedom, but his death brought life to the world. If we follow Jesus, we must take up our cross. When we do, we shouldn’t be so surprised that we will end up looking like him, as though we’ve been through war. May we fight well this earthly battle that we may indeed share in the victory to come.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/03/homily-199-4th-sunday-of-lent-year-b/feed/0The Banner of VictoryThe Banner of Victory
Perhaps it seems strange that we as Christians would use the cross with such pride, that we carry it as a banner of victory. On the cross Jesus looks like he's been through war and looks defeated. Yet we know this is not the end of the story. Jesus indeed fought and died for the price of our freedom, but his death brought life to the world. If we follow Jesus, we must take up our cross. When we do, we shouldn't be so surprised that we will end up looking like him, as though we've been through war. May we fight well this earthly battle that we may indeed share in the victory to come.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno10:52Homily 198 – 4th Sunday of Lent Year A 2nd Scrutinyhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/03/homily-198-4th-sunday-of-lent-year-a-2nd-scrutiny/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/03/homily-198-4th-sunday-of-lent-year-a-2nd-scrutiny/#commentsSun, 18 Mar 2012 19:58:55 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1438Chosen for the Light

Our catechumens received a new title at the beginning of Lent. They are now known as the elect. The work elect means to chose and these men and women have been chosen for baptism this Easter. All of us should reflect on how special it is that God has chosen us. The gift given us in baptism is even more radical than if we were blind from birth and all the sudden could see like the man in the Gospel. In our baptism we were called from a life of darkness to walk in the light. May all of us use this Lent to strengthen this most important commitment of our baptism.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/03/homily-198-4th-sunday-of-lent-year-a-2nd-scrutiny/feed/0Chosen for the LightChosen for the Light
Our catechumens received a new title at the beginning of Lent. They are now known as the elect. The work elect means to chose and these men and women have been chosen for baptism this Easter. All of us should reflect on how special it is that God has chosen us. The gift given us in baptism is even more radical than if we were blind from birth and all the sudden could see like the man in the Gospel. In our baptism we were called from a life of darkness to walk in the light. May all of us use this Lent to strengthen this most important commitment of our baptism.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno9:36Homily 197 – 3rd Sunday of Lent Year A 1st Scrutinyhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/03/homily-197-3rd-sunday-of-lent-year-a-1st-scrutiny/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/03/homily-197-3rd-sunday-of-lent-year-a-1st-scrutiny/#commentsSun, 11 Mar 2012 18:10:17 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1433Desire

A human being is full of desires. These were put there by God. Yet they are not ends in themselves. God’s plan is to lead us by our desires to him. In today’s Gospel, Jesus uses the ordinary thirst of a Samaritan woman to lead her to life-giving water in the spiritual life. Where are our desires leading us? Are they perhaps out of control? Lent is a great time to reorder our desires toward God, the only one who can truly fill us.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/03/homily-197-3rd-sunday-of-lent-year-a-1st-scrutiny/feed/0DesireDesire
A human being is full of desires. These were put there by God. Yet they are not ends in themselves. God's plan is to lead us by our desires to him. In today's Gospel, Jesus uses the ordinary thirst of a Samaritan woman to lead her to life-giving water in the spiritual life. Where are our desires leading us? Are they perhaps out of control? Lent is a great time to reorder our desires toward God, the only one who can truly fill us.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno6:27Homily 196 – 3rd Sunday of Lent Year Bhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/03/homily-196-3rd-sunday-of-lent-year-b/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/03/homily-196-3rd-sunday-of-lent-year-b/#commentsSun, 11 Mar 2012 18:06:17 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1431Thank God for Rules

Have you taken time lately to look at the owner’s manual for your car? You might be surprised to find a few new features there. God has also given us a spiritual owner’s manual for our lives. In it are many rules that tell us what we need to do in order to live life to the fullest. Do we take time to look over our spiritual owner’s manual? Or do we rather think that God’s rules are impositions that restrict our freedom? Today’s homily explores why we should instead see God’s rules as fatherly instructions for our happiness.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/03/homily-196-3rd-sunday-of-lent-year-b/feed/0Thank God for RulesThank God for Rules
Have you taken time lately to look at the owner's manual for your car? You might be surprised to find a few new features there. God has also given us a spiritual owner's manual for our lives. In it are many rules that tell us what we need to do in order to live life to the fullest. Do we take time to look over our spiritual owner's manual? Or do we rather think that God's rules are impositions that restrict our freedom? Today's homily explores why we should instead see God's rules as fatherly instructions for our happiness.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno10:30Homily 195 – 2nd Sunday of Lenthttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/03/homily-195-2nd-sunday-of-lent/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/03/homily-195-2nd-sunday-of-lent/#commentsSun, 04 Mar 2012 19:44:05 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1426Peaks and Valleys

Today Jesus gives his apostles a special glimpse of who he really is. Standing in the presence of the transfigured Christ with Moses and Elijah bearing witness the apostles know for sure that Jesus is God. Were we there we would indeed exclaim with Peter, “It is good that we are here!” Yet, they cannot stay on top of the mountain. Live is not live always on top of a mountain. Today’s homily explores how to manage the peaks…and valleys…of our life.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/03/homily-195-2nd-sunday-of-lent/feed/1Peaks and ValleysPeaks and Valleys
Today Jesus gives his apostles a special glimpse of who he really is. Standing in the presence of the transfigured Christ with Moses and Elijah bearing witness the apostles know for sure that Jesus is God. Were we there we would indeed exclaim with Peter, "It is good that we are here!" Yet, they cannot stay on top of the mountain. Live is not live always on top of a mountain. Today's homily explores how to manage the peaks...and valleys...of our life.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno13:13Homily 194 – 1st Sunday of Lenthttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/02/homily-194-1st-sunday-of-lent/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/02/homily-194-1st-sunday-of-lent/#commentsSun, 26 Feb 2012 22:29:46 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1366Baptism Saves You Now

There’s going to be a test at the end of Lent, and it’s not going to be about whether you managed to avoid dessert for 40 days. The test has six questions and you have to get all six right in order to pass. The good news is that today’s homily gives you not only the questions, but also the answers.

On Easter, the priest is going to ask us to renew the promises of our Baptism. Do we even know what those promises are? Do we know why they’re important? If someone asked you the question, “Are you saved?” would you be able to answer? Today’s homily will steer you safely through Lent and onto getting an A+ on the test this Easter.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/02/homily-194-1st-sunday-of-lent/feed/0Baptism Saves You NowBaptism Saves You Now
There's going to be a test at the end of Lent, and it's not going to be about whether you managed to avoid dessert for 40 days. The test has six questions and you have to get all six right in order to pass. The good news is that today's homily gives you not only the questions, but also the answers.
On Easter, the priest is going to ask us to renew the promises of our Baptism. Do we even know what those promises are? Do we know why they're important? If someone asked you the question, "Are you saved?" would you be able to answer? Today's homily will steer you safely through Lent and onto getting an A+ on the test this Easter.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno12:34Homily 193 – 7th Sunday in Ordinary Timehttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/02/homily-193-7th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/02/homily-193-7th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/#commentsSun, 19 Feb 2012 18:07:49 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1364Rise and Walk

If we saw a man like in today’s Gospel who couldn’t walk or even move we would probably recognize that this person was in a very serious and sad condition. When Jesus encounters this man in the Gospel, he too recognizes a serious illness that needs healing, but not the one that we would automatically think of. Jesus looks right past the fact that the man is physically paralyzed, and instead sees that, even more seriously, he is spiritually paralyzed. The man is stuck in sin.

Jesus shows us that spiritual sickness is far more serious than any physical sickness. As we begin Lent this week, are there ways in which we are spiritually paralyzed? Let’s all pray that this Lent we can make a good confession, take on some spiritual discipline, and hear those beautiful words of Jesus, “Your sins are forgiven…rise and walk.”

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/02/homily-193-7th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/feed/0Rise and WalkRise and Walk
If we saw a man like in today's Gospel who couldn't walk or even move we would probably recognize that this person was in a very serious and sad condition. When Jesus encounters this man in the Gospel, he too recognizes a serious illness that needs healing, but not the one that we would automatically think of. Jesus looks right past the fact that the man is physically paralyzed, and instead sees that, even more seriously, he is spiritually paralyzed. The man is stuck in sin.
Jesus shows us that spiritual sickness is far more serious than any physical sickness. As we begin Lent this week, are there ways in which we are spiritually paralyzed? Let's all pray that this Lent we can make a good confession, take on some spiritual discipline, and hear those beautiful words of Jesus, "Your sins are forgiven...rise and walk."Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno9:35Homily 192 – Religious Liberty and Justice for Allhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/02/homily-192-religious-liberty-and-justice-for-all/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/02/homily-192-religious-liberty-and-justice-for-all/#commentsSun, 05 Feb 2012 20:43:51 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1360This weekend and last weekend, bishops throughout the country have written letters to the faithful that were read at Mass in response the recent attack on religious liberty by our government, aimed particularly at the Catholic Church. My homily this weekend begins with Archbishop Naumann’s letter and continues with my own reflections. Archbishop’s letter can be found at the website of the Archdiocese, http://www.archkck.org/document.doc?id=1130.

My homily follows at the 4:30 mark of the recording:

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/02/homily-192-religious-liberty-and-justice-for-all/feed/10Religious Liberty and Justice for AllThis weekend and last weekend, bishops throughout the country have written letters to the faithful that were read at Mass in response the recent attack on religious liberty by our government, aimed particularly at the Catholic Church. My homily this weekend begins with Archbishop Naumann's letter and continues with my own reflections. Archbishop's letter can be found at the website of the Archdiocese, http://www.archkck.org/document.doc?id=1130.
My homily follows at the 4:30 mark of the recording:Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno16:41Homily 191 – Catholic Schools Weekhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/01/homily-191-catholic-schools-week/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/01/homily-191-catholic-schools-week/#commentsWed, 01 Feb 2012 02:28:29 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1357Learning and Living the Faith

This week we celebrate the ongoing legacy of a system of education that has been handed on to us as a treasured gift from past generations. Our Catholic schools continue to exist for one reason: to pass on the faith. This begins with outstanding teachers who form the minds of young Catholics in our great Tradition. Yet, intellectual knowledge of the faith is not enough. In a real sense, the faith cannot just be handed on; it must be caught anew by each generation. Our Catholic schools provide a wonderful environment for the Holy Spirit to work powerfully in our students. May God bless our dedicated educators as they work tirelessly to not only inform, but truly transform the lives of our children.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/01/homily-191-catholic-schools-week/feed/0Learning and Living the FaithLearning and Living the Faith
This week we celebrate the ongoing legacy of a system of education that has been handed on to us as a treasured gift from past generations. Our Catholic schools continue to exist for one reason: to pass on the faith. This begins with outstanding teachers who form the minds of young Catholics in our great Tradition. Yet, intellectual knowledge of the faith is not enough. In a real sense, the faith cannot just be handed on; it must be caught anew by each generation. Our Catholic schools provide a wonderful environment for the Holy Spirit to work powerfully in our students. May God bless our dedicated educators as they work tirelessly to not only inform, but truly transform the lives of our children.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno14:26Homily 190 – 4th Sunday in Ordinary Timehttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/01/homily-190-4th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/01/homily-190-4th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/#commentsSun, 29 Jan 2012 16:35:35 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1354The Prophetic Witness of Celibacy

People are often confused by the meaning of celibacy practiced by those in religious life. Sometimes people think that priests are celibate because it gives them more time to devote to ministry. Sadly, sometimes people might assume that marriage is less holy than priesthood. Neither are the real reason for the celibate vocation. Rather, the celibate person serves as a prophetic witness to the reality of heaven.

Marriage and family are good, holy even. Celibacy is a sacrifice precisely because the priest or religious gives up something good. Yet, as good as this life is, it is not the greatest good. The celibate person is meant to be a sign reminding us of heaven. In heaven there is no marriage because it is as though we are all married to God. That relationship of love with God is so real that celibates forgo the early sign of marriage to point to the reality of the heavenly marriage awaiting us.

So, never feel sorry for your priests or religious, or wish for them to be married. We freely and joyful choose to give our lives completely to God. Pray that we may be good prophetic signs that point people to heaven.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/01/homily-190-4th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/feed/0The Prophetic Witness of CelibacyThe Prophetic Witness of Celibacy
People are often confused by the meaning of celibacy practiced by those in religious life. Sometimes people think that priests are celibate because it gives them more time to devote to ministry. Sadly, sometimes people might assume that marriage is less holy than priesthood. Neither are the real reason for the celibate vocation. Rather, the celibate person serves as a prophetic witness to the reality of heaven.
Marriage and family are good, holy even. Celibacy is a sacrifice precisely because the priest or religious gives up something good. Yet, as good as this life is, it is not the greatest good. The celibate person is meant to be a sign reminding us of heaven. In heaven there is no marriage because it is as though we are all married to God. That relationship of love with God is so real that celibates forgo the early sign of marriage to point to the reality of the heavenly marriage awaiting us.
So, never feel sorry for your priests or religious, or wish for them to be married. We freely and joyful choose to give our lives completely to God. Pray that we may be good prophetic signs that point people to heaven.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno10:54Homily 189 – Epiphanyhttp://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/01/homily-189-epiphany/
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/01/homily-189-epiphany/#commentsSun, 08 Jan 2012 23:44:23 +0000http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/?p=1350The Model of the Magi

Today we rejoice in the manifestation of the Jesus to world, symbolized by the arrival of the “magi” in Bethlehem. The journey of the magi began long before Christmas. In them we can find a model for our Christian journey. Through the light of reason alone, interpreting the stars, the magi know that something special has happened and they follow the star. Needing more than just reason, they receive the last piece of the puzzle from God’s chosen people and form the Scriptures. This leads them to a personal encounter with Jesus in Bethlehem.

Our lives are meant to follow this example. What signs is God giving us? Are we following and using all the tools available in the Church and Sacred Scripture? Have we had a personal encounter with Jesus? Hopefully we can say yes to these things. However, one more thing remains. The Gospel says that after encountering Christ, the magi return by “another way.” We too must follow another way after meeting Jesus. May this new year be a time when each of us encounters Jesus in a new way and follows him more closely.

]]>http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2012/01/homily-189-epiphany/feed/0The Model of the MagiThe Model of the Magi
Today we rejoice in the manifestation of the Jesus to world, symbolized by the arrival of the "magi" in Bethlehem. The journey of the magi began long before Christmas. In them we can find a model for our Christian journey. Through the light of reason alone, interpreting the stars, the magi know that something special has happened and they follow the star. Needing more than just reason, they receive the last piece of the puzzle from God's chosen people and form the Scriptures. This leads them to a personal encounter with Jesus in Bethlehem.
Our lives are meant to follow this example. What signs is God giving us? Are we following and using all the tools available in the Church and Sacred Scripture? Have we had a personal encounter with Jesus? Hopefully we can say yes to these things. However, one more thing remains. The Gospel says that after encountering Christ, the magi return by "another way." We too must follow another way after meeting Jesus. May this new year be a time when each of us encounters Jesus in a new way and follows him more closely.Fr. Shawn P. Tuninkno10:23